Work & Purpose

You have the wisdom and experience that comes from decades of handling workplace issues and solving problems, but how do you confidently plan the next chapter when retirement time approaches? Boomers unsure of their financial readiness are trying creative new approaches like phased retirement or launching an encore career.

Wondering if you can take Social Security at 66 or 70? Have other questions or problems related to retirement? Take a look at our best advice on turning your retirement into your next great adventure.

Work & Purpose also discusses:

Volunteer work options and ideas
Common workplace problems and solutions
When boomers are retiring
Starting a new business
How to find a job when you're over 50

Most Recent

You and Your Sewing Machine Can Help Fight COVID-19

Volunteering to make masks can have a tremendous impact now

APRIL 1, 2020 | By Marijke Vroomen Durning

Laid Off at 60: What to Do Next

job commendation for service to company in moving box

Losing your job in your 60s can be painful, but these tips will help

MAY 7, 2012 | By Kate Ashford

The 4 Poignant Questions Older Men Ask Themselves

What the author of 'Old Man Country' learned talking to elders

DECEMBER 5, 2019 | By Thomas Cole

How to Comfort Someone Who Just Lost a Job

To comfort a friend who just lost a job, follow these six suggestions.

A career coach offers six tips on what to say and do

MARCH 22, 2013 | By Carol Ross

What You Do to Reduce Loneliness

In our readers' survey, we also asked how often you feel lonely and why

JANUARY 31, 2020 | By Richard Eisenberg

2020 Election: What Biden’s Democratic Platform Proposes for People 50+

A close look at what's mentioned — and what isn't

AUGUST 10, 2020 | By Chris Farrell

6 Ways the SECURE Act May Impact Your Retirement

The new law is the broadest piece of retirement legislation in 13 years

DECEMBER 31, 2019 | By Jamie Hopkins

6 Questions to Ask If You Want to Work in Retirement

They'll help you figure out where, and how, to work part-time

FEBRUARY 3, 2020 | By Nancy Collamer

When Your Employer Insists You Go Into Work During the Pandemic

a middle aged man preparing to exit public transportation

The recourse rules for employees are complicated and somewhat untested

APRIL 8, 2020 | By Rosie Wolf Williams

A Pandemic Lockdown Just for Older People? No!

What's wrong with targeting Americans who are 65+

JULY 3, 2020 | By Chris Farrell

Grieving the Loss of a Work Identity

When we step out of the workplace, we lose more than a job

NOVEMBER 6, 2019 | By Jill Smolowe

Why Many People Really Start Businesses in Retirement

The reasons may not be ones you expect

MAY 28, 2020 | By Richard Eisenberg

Retired Adults Volunteer as Baby Cuddlers

Both the infants and the volunteers reap health benefits

JUNE 21, 2018 | By Kim Mueller

What to Know About Becoming a Contact Tracer

The qualifications, pay, training and how to get hired

JUNE 12, 2020 | By Eve Glicksman

Job Hunting After 50: The Power of Creativity and Persistence

These three career switchers have jobs even they didn't expect

NOVEMBER 8, 2019 | By Chris Farrell

6 Work-From-Home Side Gigs in the Pandemic

GetSetUp's team holding a virtual staff meeting

Ones to consider now that other gig jobs are impractical

JUNE 2, 2020 | By Nancy Collamer

‘Tis the Season to Show Kindness to Lonely Adults

Ways to make the holidays less sad and isolating for older friends and neighbors

NOVEMBER 29, 2019 | By Randi Mazzella

What I Learned in the Recession That Might Help You Now

A job loss led to a change in attitude and these life lessons

JULY 6, 2020 | By Elizabeth White

The Distressing Growth of Wealth Inequality of Boomers

Gaps between the haves and have-nots, and what could shrink them

OCTOBER 16, 2019 | By Richard Eisenberg

An Artist Displays ‘Serious Whimsy’

Vicki Sawyer paints birds in hats and critters in costumes

JULY 26, 2019 | By Patricia Corrigan

Money & Policy

The Best Ways to Manage Your 401(k) Wisely

The 'Friends Talk Money' podcast hosts and guests offer retirement plan tips

Special Report

Group of older adults enjoying coffee at a coffee house.

In Good Company

We all feel lonely at times. But it doesn't have to be that way.

Special Report

Strengthening Rural Health Care for Older Adults

This special report includes storytelling, news and information about health care for older adults in rural areas

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