A recent study on retirement expectations by MetLife Foundation/Civic Ventures reveals that people between the ages of 50 and 59 are seriously thinking about taking jobs or becoming involved in nonprofit work to improve the quality of life in their communities.
Half of adults aged 50 to 70 say they are interested in taking jobs to do community service.
The survey says more than 78 percent of these older Americans are interested in working to help the poor, the elderly and others in need; 56 percent want to deal with health issues, either working in a hospital or with an organization fighting a particular disease; 55 percent want to teach; and 45 percent want to work with youth.
Not surprisingly, there are differences between men and women. For example, the survey finds 70 percent of female boomers say it is very important that a job in retirement "gives you a sense of purpose" compared with only 48 percent of males. And more women than men (50 percent versus 28 percent) say the opportunity to help people in need is an important characteristic to a job in retirement.
Come on you caring, compassionate men! Let's up those statistics. To download a free 16-page report go to Baby Boomer's Guide to Good Work. Or visit Encore (formerly Civic Ventures) online.
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