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When retirees go back to work is it a sign of a strong labor force — or a recession?
MarketWatch· 2025-12-18 20:03
Core Insights - The article discusses the phenomenon of "unretirements," where individuals who previously retired are re-entering the workforce, indicating shifts in the job market dynamics [1] Group 1: Job Market Trends - Unretirements have increased significantly, with a notable rise of 1.5 million individuals aged 55 and older returning to work since the onset of the pandemic [1] - The trend suggests that many retirees are seeking additional income or are unable to sustain their retirement lifestyle solely on savings and Social Security [1] Group 2: Economic Implications - The increase in unretirements may alleviate some labor shortages in various sectors, particularly those that require experienced workers [1] - This trend could also impact wage growth, as more experienced workers re-entering the job market may lead to increased competition for jobs [1] Group 3: Demographic Insights - The article highlights that unretirements are more prevalent among women, who account for a significant portion of this demographic shift [1] - Factors such as health care costs and inflation are driving older workers back into the labor force, as they seek to bolster their financial security [1]