The Complexities of Aging and Retirement in Modern Society
In the movie “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” iconic fashion editor Miranda Priestly, portrayed by Meryl Streep, wanders alone through Milan’s fashion district. Her career thrives on intuition and cultural foresight. Yet, as social media, younger voices, and constant change reshape the industry, she starts questioning her relevance.
About 1 in 4 U.S. adults over 50 expect to never retire, according to an AARP study.
Returning to her hotel, she confides in her husband, Stuart, about knowing when to step aside. He tells her, “You’ll know when it’s time. You’ll just know it.” This common belief about work, aging, and ambition suggests people will instinctively know when to slow down or retire. But for many today, it is not so straightforward.
As a researcher focused on aging, mental health, and life transitions, I observe that as lifespans lengthen, work becomes more than a paycheck. It provides identity, purpose, routine, and social connection. The real question now is not simply when to retire, but how to stay happy, healthy, and secure as you age.
The Changing Retirement Landscape
In much of the 20th century, retirement followed a more predictable pattern. Careers often seemed linear, and older adulthood was linked to leaving professional life for a “third act” involving family and leisure. This was seen as a well-earned reward after years of work, bolstered by policy changes like the Social Security Act of 1935 and post-WWII pension expansions.
Over recent decades, demographic and economic shifts have transformed the experience of aging and working. In 1991, average retirement began at 57. Today, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes those 65 and older are a rapidly growing labor force segment. Between 2015 and 2024, employed people in this age range increased by over 33%.
More Americans are making hardship withdrawals from retirement accounts.
This change stems from several factors. Improved life expectancy keeps many active and engaged in work, while others remain due to financial needs, employer-sponsored health benefits, caregiving, or insufficient savings. Despite the economy’s growing reliance on older workers, societal views on aging and ambition evolve more slowly.
Contradictory Views on Aging
Our society sends mixed signals about aging. Elders are urged to stay active, productive, and healthy. Concepts like “successful aging” highlight continued workforce participation and purpose. However, older leaders often face criticism for remaining in influential roles.
China is raising its retirement age due to its aging workforce and shrinking population.
In Harper’s Magazine, Samuel Moyn’s 2026 story “The Old Guard” argues that America has become a “gerontocracy,” where older generations dominate politics and economics, sidelining younger Americans. While Moyn’s piece raises valid generational transition concerns, it overlooks the growing number of older adults driven not by ambition but by financial realities.
An AARP survey in 2024 found that about one in four U.S. adults over 50 do not foresee retiring.
The Emotional Significance of Work
Work carries emotional weight, particularly in cultures where identity and worth are deeply tied to professional success. Beyond money and power, work reinforces self-identity and provides social interaction and routine, especially in later adulthood.
Traditional community spaces that encouraged social bonds, such as civic groups, churches, and bowling leagues, have dwindled. This contributes to a more isolated society where social disconnection is a recognized health issue. For many, work remains one of the few places offering visibility, purpose, and social anchoring.
This isn’t an argument to work indefinitely. Retirement often brings mental health benefits through reduced stress and increased personal time. However, leaving work can lead to feelings of isolation or reduced purpose, especially for those whose work was integral to their identity.
Research into retirement transitions shows that social connections, health, and financial stability crucially impact post-retirement well-being. The challenge is not a reluctance to retire, but the blurring clarity of “knowing it’s time” in our modern world.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.