Whether for free, for a fee, for fun or full-time, part-time or in response to just in time needs, good work is defined as work that "works for you."

Why Continue to Work? Because…
You are programmed to live longer, much longer, than your parents lived. The old rules when old was old (just like old benefits) no longer apply. In 1935 when Social Security benefits began, American men lived until 59 and women until 61. As you can see, few collected! Today's numbers are 79 and 81. A difference of 20 years is a very long time to sit on your duff.

You are likely to suffer from nasty withdrawal if you abruptly leave the world of work.
A sudden change from full-time, demanding work to no work of any sort just may be your very worst option.

You may discover new and very bad habits if you don't work.
Forecasts report that the numbers of older adults affected by substance abuse are soaring. Available studies suggest that substance dependency of abusing adults over 50 will increase from 1.7 million folks to 4.4 million by 2020. Some reports indicate that baby boomers have three to four times the rate of emotional disorders (depression, suicide, anxiety, as well as alcohol and drug abuse) than is found in today's elderly population (Koenig, George, & Schneider, 1994). Do you think depression gets better the longer you sit around doing nothing?

If you don't work, you will discover what it feels like when your social networks dry up.
Will your mind stay as sharp as it should without the stimulation offered by others? Studies indicate that the brain, much like the rest of the body, is subject to the "use it or lose it" rule. Our very nature requires stimulating interactivity with others in order to exercise our minds. What happens when the phone stops ringing and your opinion no longer matters to anyone but two year-olds?

You may simply wish to perform a "death defying act" by working longer.
People who work longer, live longer and live healthier. Google the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for all the supporting evidence you will ever need.

You may need a good reason to get out of the house.
Does your spouse really want you at home around the clock? Will 24/7 prove to be the death of a good marriage? Do you enjoy cleaning the garage? Is ironing your must interesting future activity? And, how important is a continued sense of responsibility and structure in a lifetime when both were once central to every day?

You may become a burden to the next generation.
Your family may love you dearly but… put them in the position where they may have to support you at the same time they are supporting their children, and you will all come to understand that "all's well that end's well" is only a good line in an old play.

You are unlikely to enjoy "going poor."
Can you see yourself living over a storefront in the seedy part of town? Are "meals on wheels" the best you can hope for in your future? How soon will the money run out? Well, the answer is "it depends." Do you know what it takes to sustain your longer lifetime? You should begin to find out. Go to the Motley Fool (You can trust The Fool according to The Economist because it is "an ethical oasis in an area that is fast becoming a home to charlatans.") and look up The Fools' Rule your Retirement Service. Then, swallow hard as you get a life lesson.

You don't want to leave a tax bill for your children – sure makes for a rotten inheritance.
You need to be able to continue to buy, save and pay taxes if you are to leave the economy in reasonable shape. America is, first and foremost, a consumer driven nation. If mature workers run out of money and entitlements, count on the fact that taxes will go up… up… up until they reach sky high.

You can work much longer.
The decline of physically demanding labor is a fact of work life now. Your mind usually outlasts your knees. The Duke Center for Demographic studies reported in 2003 that by 2015 (such a short time from now) active life expectancy will be 17 years beyond traditional retirement age at 65. In short, if they were designing a system that set retirement age, they would raise it to 72 by the 2015 date. Surely, you can hang in a few more years.

You may find that the best rewards in your long career are to be found in the future.
Have you really done everything you were meant to do in that area of life we label as work? Legacy work is the domain of the mature adult and doing good is its own reward. For examples, link to www.civicventures.com and you'll see the need, the incentives and the opportunities.

You are needed. There are too few people in the next generation to do all the work.
You can help to build the highly skilled talent America will need in order to continue to compete. Yes, Virginia, there is a crisis looming for America and it is much larger and much more complex than you might think.

You will reunite with your contemporaries in temporary and project jobs.
There are more mature workers in the flexible workforce than ever. (And, don't forget that temporary firms offer medical benefits that you may sorely need.) Go to www.spherion.com for opportunities.

You have new dreams to pursue and the gift of time to pursue them.
Take a look at the entrepreneurial world. The fastest growing groups of entrepreneurs are over 50! Listen to what Sara Rix, an analyst with AARP wrote in their recent research newsletter. "Of all the self-employed, one-third became self-employed at or after age 50."

You have learned that one secret to living a good life is having something meaningful to do.
At the least, as bones thin and you creak, it's good to be thinking about something else.

BUT, a few of you tell me that you are millionaires and never want to work again.
Be careful what you ask for because the land of make believe is just that – make believe. Money is but one motivator to return to the world of work. Research from Northern Trust indicates that 29% of retired millionaires have returned to the workforce in some capacity. "The report mirrors what we've observed as we advise clients who are soon to be retired or have retired," said Gregg Yaeger, head of the Financial Group at Northern Trust. "Retired business owners and executives tell us that they want to give back the knowledge they've gained during their careers, and many continue to explore and start or invest in new ventures."

STILL, many of you don't believe employers will hire you because you are too old! You will soon discover that many American employers are already feeling the pinch of demographic change and are actively seeking mature workers. There are jobs going begging today. There are educational programs that allow you to waltz through courses that once took years to complete. Employers in certain industries are "dying for" your help! Link to www.retirementjobs.com for lists of opportunities by America's leading firms.

FINALLY, smile a little for help is on the way. Here it comes. Big names are being sued to make the point that mature workers expect to be judged on the merit of their abilities. Ah…I love the American tradition of pinching pocketbooks until something changes. For instance, The Grand Ole Opry and Donald Trump recently made the news. The Opry doesn't appear overly fond of "ole" and, as one result, Stonewall Jackson's suit against the Opry claims $20 million in damages (Gerome, 2007). "The Donald" is facing an age discrimination suit filed this past January by a 49 year-old plaintiff who claimed he was not considered a potential contestant on The Apprentice because he was too old (Field, 2007). GE got hit with an $11 million verdict in an age bias suit last year as did the City of Hollywood (Florida, that is) when they lost a $2.3 million verdict to decorated police officers who alleged they were denied promotions because of age (Baldas, 2007). The claims are getting bigger and the notoriety garnered by the rich and famous as they fight these suits will bring about the changes from which we all will benefit.

carleenmackay@agelessinamerica.com