Jul 16, 2024 - News
New England has high share of boomers still working
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New England states have some of the highest share of 65-and-up adults in the workforce, according to preliminary 2023 census data.
Why it matters: The 2024 presidential campaign is sparking a fresh conversation about age, ability and mental acuity.
The big picture: It's not uncommon these days for older Americans to stay in the workforce, particularly in states with older populations.
- Nationally, almost 19% of adults 65 or over are still working.
Zoom in: 22.2% of adults 65 or over in Massachusetts are employed, per the U.S. Census Bureau.
- Vermont had the highest share of working adults 65 and over in the nation (25.6%).
- Connecticut reported 22.4%.
Between the lines: Today's older workers are better educated, working more hours, and more likely to be receiving employer benefits, compared to past decades, per the Pew Research Center.
- Changes to Social Security and retirement plans — especially in a high-cost state like Massachusetts — factor into how much time people stay in the workforce.