Conventional wisdom dictates that once you reach age 65, you are supposed to have a huge retirement bash, get a coin or a tie and then sit on your couch watching daytime TV in a retirement castle until the end, or something as equally depressing. However, retirement age today does not mean calling it quits when the clock strikes 65. As you will see, there are six compelling reasons to consider moving the clock of ages up a few years and delaying your retirement if you do.
Need
Maybe you lost some money in the stock market, or maybe you did not save enough money to begin with. If you are like a significant percent of Americans, you will continue working after you retire because you have to.
Desire
Over 44 percent of the country say they will continue working after retirement simply because they want to. For these folks working has become a way of life, it helps them feel useful, wanted and helpful all while boosting their retirement income.
Better Social Security benefits
If you delay your Social Security benefits, your money will increase when you ultimately decide to leave the workforce for good. The rate of increase and the amount you receive will depend on your personal circumstances, but it never hurts to give yourself a pay raise by extending your retirement a couple of years ahead.
Keep your mind sharp
It does not matter how old you are, lazing around the house never did anything to stimulate anyone’s mind. Staying active and in the workforce can help to keep your mind sharp and off some of the forgetfulness that often accompanies aging.
Extend health benefits
If you do not want to be at the mercy of Medicare, and do not have supplemental insurance, working full time beyond retirement age might be just what the doctor ordered. Full time employees often obtain full employer sponsored benefits, which might be enough of a compelling reason for someone who is getting up in years to stave off retirement for just a few more.
To pursue your dream career
Some folks just never had the time to get around to do some of the things they wanted to in their youth. For them, retirement becomes a second chance. Retirees today can go back to school, receive training and test their luck at the dream career they always wanted.
Retirement today doesn’t mean couch surfing and bad TV. It means having the freedom to choose to stay in the workforce, for a wide variety of reasons.