Older Alaskans: Still working after all these years

Alaska has the fastest-growing senior population in the nation. The state’s 65-plus population grew by 44 percent between 2010 and 2016.

As a May 2018 issue of Alaska Economic Trends points out, an older population coupled with a growing tendency to work later in life “means a growing share of Alaska’s workforce is 55 and older.”

On the next Hometown Alaska, we’ll speak with a state economist about this trend, and interview some older Alaska workers.

Are you over 55 and still working? Did you retire and then “un-retire” yourself? Tell us about it. Your questions and comments are always welcome on Hometown Alaska.

Thanks for listening!

HOST: Kathleen McCoy

GUESTS:

• Rob Kreiger, research and analysis staffer, Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
• Michele Palmer, retired speech pathologist, now working as a home care attendant
• Laurel Epps, retired, drives for Uber and Lyft

LINKS

• An increasing share of Alaska workers are older, Alaska Economic Trends, May 2018
• A record number of folks age 85 and older are working. Here’s what they are doing. Washington Post Wonkblog, July 5, 2018.
  
• Good news for job seekers over 50, AARP, April 4, 2018.
• Older workers account for all job growth since 2000, AAPP, Jan. 23, 2018.
• The 8 most enjoyable jobs for older workers, U.S. News & World Reports, 12.15.17