Yes, it’s true the average American retiree watches 47 hours of TV per week, and you wouldn’t be alone. Just the same, you can raise the bar and lower that TV average by clicking “Off” and reading a few enlightening stats:

• The percentage of American workers aged 55 and over has nearly doubled, increasing from 13% in 2000 to 23% in 2021.
• By 2031, one-quarter of the labor force will be 55 or older.
• While workers over 55 make up just 35% of the population, they contribute an estimated 40% of the national economic output.
• Labor force participation among workers aged 65 to 74 (the % of people that age who are working) will rise from 25.8% in 2021 to 30.7% in 2031.
  

Why are your peers heading back to work?

• 92% say they need or want more money for retirement
• 60% say they have less than $500,000 in savings, including all investments, savings accounts, pension plan/defined benefit plans, and retirement plans
• 52% said they were bored
• 43% felt lonely
• 13% say work provides a sense of purpose
  

Retirement doesn’t mean you’re under house arrest. You just need to move your body so you don’t have a cardiac arrest. Remember, on average, retirement accelerates one’s mortality rate by two years.

So, get up, get healthy, get a job, get a purpose, get a life. Do something! Seinfeld will still be waiting for you at the end of your workday. I’m proud of you! You can do this! We all can!

Feel free to share with all your couch potato friends, including me as I’m still in major recovery mode.