Working Past 50: A Health Boost?

New research from the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging challenges conventional wisdom about working later in life, suggesting that continuing to work may offer significant benefits for many older adults. The findings reveal that two-thirds of adults over 50 report that employment enhances both their physical and mental well-being. Perhaps most notably, nearly half of respondents cite having a sense of purpose as a crucial motivation for staying in the workforce. This same group strongly believes that maintaining professional engagement helps keep their cognitive abilities sharp.

However, the study paints a nuanced picture. While the majority experience positive outcomes, about a third of working older adults report that their jobs negatively impact their physical health. Mental health concerns also emerge, particularly among those who struggle to balance work demands with medical appointments. This challenge is especially pronounced for workers who already report poor mental health.

The research also uncovers significant barriers to employment for this demographic. Among non-retired older adults, nearly 40% face at least one obstacle to working, ranging from chronic health conditions to lack of relevant skills or transportation issues. For those who want to work but aren’t currently employed, the situation is even more stark – over 80% report facing at least one significant barrier to entering the workforce.


Want to learn more about the relationship between work and healthy aging? Read the full University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging report HERE