As discussions surrounding retirement age heat up, older workers across the UK are voicing their desire to continue contributing to the workforce. This group of seniors, frequently targeted by age discrimination, are resisting societal expectations to retire with intensity and loudness. First person stories from workers illuminate the realities, motivations, and reasons to work past social security’s traditional retirement age.
71 Susan Chardin, a 71-year-old social worker turned elected leader, is a prime example of this trend. Even though she can afford retirement, she opts to stay in the labor force. Chardin has faced age discrimination all her life in her art field, and that discrimination has inspired her desire to work even more. She wants to feel that her experience and skills matter, and that she can make meaningful contributions even in her second act.
David, a 66-year-old retired social worker who has lived in Sheffield all his life, agrees. When he looks at his retirement projections, he plans on working until 70. It makes him mad to have to care for people that didn’t pay into the system. His point of view is representative of a widespread sentiment among mature workers about the fairness of these practices and the sustainability of public pension systems.
Lewis, 50, a senior rural estate manager for the Ministry of Defence, is from Bath. He focuses attention on the pioneering fiscal investments that older workers make to the economy. The truth is, he insists, people are putting in higher and higher contributions, at an all-time high. This scenario casts deep doubt on the justice of forcing them into retirement while they still are willing and able to work.
At 67, former WWAMI director Malcolm Chevin made a decision to continue working. Today, at 74, he is a worker in John Lewis’ new food hall on London’s Oxford Street. He just knew that he needed more movement in his life and was deeply satisfied by his work. Chevin’s story serves as an example of how meaningful work can lead to economic security and personal fulfillment in retirement and beyond.
Robert McAlone, 60, intending to retire at 67. He understands transition burdens and age bias pressures that older workers face. He views himself as just the next member of a cohort that has long challenged and reshaped expectations for what retirement looks like. On the other end of this conversation is Erwan Illian, a former cabinet maker from Berkeley, California. Now at 72, Illian says he’s thankful for his unique experiences in the workforce. He understands the struggles that everyone goes through when they are trying to remain gainfully employed.
Anne, 66, who works night shifts at a disabled homeless hostel in the UK, resonates the same sentiment as her colleagues. She emphasizes the importance of her role in providing essential services and sees her work as a vital part of her community engagement. Her commitment while helping with the immediate financial challenges meets her deeper need for a mission and relationship.
Andrew, a 68-year-old entrepreneur from Northamptonshire, tells his own personal story on the changing face of semi-retirement. He argues that millions of boomers are unprepared for retirement. What they still possess is the deep expertise and tacit knowledge that makes them revolutionaries in their respective workplaces.
Samuel, an HGV driver from Cumbria, relates yet a third sort to this discussion. His story underscores the physical toll some occupations take that drive older workers to make tough choices about when to retire. He’s passionate about what he does and hopes to help his community thrive. Yet, he’d be the first to admit that aging in his line of work can be difficult.
The combined testimony of all these folks is a powerful indicator of the changing culture around what retirement means and the role older adults play in today’s workforce. Most retirees don’t want to be dependent on family and friends for financial support. They, too, want to connect with their constituents and make a difference through their work.