Enhancing Social Interactions through Part-Time Employment in Retirement Years
Retirement doesn't have to mean an end to social interaction and a sense of purpose. Many retirees are finding that part-time roles, whether paid or volunteer, offer a wealth of benefits that extend beyond earning extra cash.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social isolation can pose significant risks, but a part-time job can help mitigate these risks. It can alleviate loneliness and provide a sense of community and fulfillment [1].
Dr. Harry Agress Jr., a former radiologist, is a prime example of this. After a 36-year career, he reinvented himself at 68 and is now an author, speaker, and philanthropic photographer. His book, "Next Year's Best Years: Taking Your Retirement to the Next Level", emphasizes the importance of part-time roles in providing structure, purpose, and vital human connection for retirees struggling with isolation [2].
Loneliness among retirees can lead to depression and health issues. In fact, social isolation increases the risk of heart disease or dementia by 26% to 29%. A part-time job can help reverse this trend [3].
Susan, a 70-year-old Texan, found a part-time marketing job via Zoom which kept her connected with younger coworkers and clients. This connection has been invaluable in combating feelings of loneliness [4].
Part-time jobs can range from traditional office work to community-focused roles like teaching, mentoring, or volunteering. These roles allow seniors to engage in activities they enjoy while meeting like-minded individuals [2][4].
The benefits of a part-time job for retirees extend beyond earning extra cash. They can find a sense of community and fulfillment, alleviate loneliness, and even spark new friendships and boost social mojo [5].
If you're under your full retirement age (FRA), be aware that part of your Social Security payments could be temporarily withheld if you earn more than $23,400 per year (the 2025 limit), as per the Social Security earnings test [6].
Programs are available that offer a customized roadmap to planning an encore career. These programs aim to help build a second act that is meaningful, profitable, and accountable to the life you imagine [7].
Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, a retirement transition expert and co-founder at Encoraco, believes that the old ideas of retirement have become obsolete. She advocates for retirees to continue working, not just for the money, but also because they miss people and the structure and sense of purpose that comes with being in the workforce [8].
A part-time job can be anything that gets you out and socializing, such as walking dogs, feeding cats, helping with home projects, teaching or mentoring, delivering groceries, or driving people around [9].
In conclusion, part-time jobs during retirement can significantly help combat loneliness and improve social connections among retirees by providing several benefits: social interaction, a sense of purpose, cognitive and physical health benefits, diverse opportunities, and flexibility and autonomy.
References:
- CDC (2021)
- Agress, H. Jr. (2019)
- Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010)
- Leuzzi, D. (2022)
- Parsons, E. Z. (2021)
- Social Security Administration (2023)
- Encore.org (2023)
- Zelinka Parsons, E. (2021)
- Zelinka Parsons, E. (2022)
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