Three Reasons Why More People Are Working Past Retirement Age

In the last few years, the number of people working past 65 has been gradually increasing. Some simply can’t afford to retire, while for others, the benefits of working past retirement age come from a genuine place of job satisfaction. Today, we’d like to talk about the three main reasons for this phenomenon, what’s driving them, and what a retirement career really looks like.

1. Cost of Living Crisis

Let’s start by facing the facts. A lot of people working past retirement age simply don’t have any other choice. The cost of living has increased dramatically in recent years, and for some, their pensions simply aren’t enough to keep up. In fact, this can be particularly true for some of the most vulnerable people who suffer from chronic medical issues, many of which represent a barrier to most fields of work.

Nobody should be forced to work past retirement age if they don’t want to. Making this problem even worse is the fact that many employers are reluctant to hire older staff.

Here at Career Navig8r, we believe that accessible work is important, and that’s why we strive to make our site a place where those coming out of retirement can find a job that works for them. One where they can set their own hours, work entirely from home, and rely on the knowledge and skills they’ve built up over the course of decades.

2. Increased Opportunities

The modern world of work is changing rapidly. Over the last few decades we’ve seen constant technological shifts. Offices have gone from analogue to digital. Cloud storage and video calls have made it easier than ever to organise and communicate internally. In recent years AI has been making waves, once again revolutionising the way offices work.

When many people think of technology, they assume that it creates barriers for older employees but the practical reality is often the opposite. In a world where physical documents are no longer relied on and everyone has a device with a keyboard and webcam at home, workplaces are, in many respects, more accessible than ever before.

Furthermore, new kinds of jobs – such as online mentoring – can bring even more flexibility, allowing people with valuable knowledge and skills to contribute.

In fact, while it’s true that some return to work because they can’t afford to retire, there are also many people working past 65 because they now can. A diverse range of jobs means a diverse workforce leading to better results for everyone.

3. A Working Lifestyle

For many, work isn’t just something they do for money, it’s a part of their lifestyle. Having a job gives many people a sense of routine and a feeling of purpose. They do something that makes a difference and contributes towards society.

This has always been the case but, in the past, many were forced to retire because their workplace either couldn’t or wouldn’t make the accommodations necessary to keep them in their job. This is, sadly still the case for many but things are changing and the effects are already at hand.

Some are keeping their jobs for longer – not because they have to but because they want to and are now empowered to do so. Others are going even further, setting up their own businesses using the skills they developed over the course of their career.

Social media and online platforms have given everyone the ability to share their knowledge, skills, and even art with the world. Digital distribution networks have brought down many of the barriers to running a business.

In 2025, many people are now retiring only to make their passionate hobby a full-time career. Those who are financially stable enough to retire but chose not to are able to genuinely pursue their dreams with the responsibility of full time hours or the constraint of needing to make a full time income.

At the end of the day, working past full retirement age should be an option and not an obligation. At Career Navig8r, we want to make that world a reality and that’s why we work hard to build a platform where anyone can become a mentor and share the benefits of their wisdom.