Encore Careers: The $1 Trillion Workforce Mainstream Media Ignores
Beyond passive retirement, older adults are launching businesses and driving economic growth, a narrative largely absent from the news.
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I was scrolling through news feeds last week, trying to find something about, I don't know, music or art, when I saw a headline about a new study. It was talking about how people are retiring these days, and the whole vibe was 'checks in the mail, golf course, and a lot of free time.' Then I remembered reading something from the U.S. Department of Labor back in 2008 [c1] that basically said the media needs to stop portraying employee benefits so negatively. It felt like the same old song, just a different verse. My complaint about how these stories usually get reported is that they paint retirement as this quiet fade-out, a passive state. It lets everyone else off the hook for not seeing what’s really happening. The standard defense you’ll hear from folks in media or even some industry types is that they're just reflecting common perceptions or focusing on what audiences *think* they want to read about – the easy retirement narrative. But that's like saying you only show pictures of people sleeping because you think that's all old people do. What kills that defense for me is the sheer volume of data showing older adults are actively engaged in 'encore careers' and entrepreneurship. Research from places like the University of Toronto Press [c2] highlights how mature individuals bring valuable experience to the workforce, challenging the 'eternal youth' myth. The media portrayal of aging has historically been fraught with negative stereotypes [c3], contributing to societal ageism that undermines the social inclusion and self-esteem of older populations. It’s not just about needing a job; it’s about contribution, reinvention, and economic participation. The fix isn't a slogan; it's a conscious effort to seek out and amplify these stories. This week, try looking up local small business incubators or co-working spaces and see who's showing up – you might be surprised by the age range of the founders.
The direct answer
Mainstream media often portrays retirement as a passive period of leisure, overlooking the significant trend of 'encore careers' and late-life entrepreneurship among individuals aged 55 and older. This overlooks a vital economic force, as older adults are increasingly launching businesses and seeking continued engagement
"The argument in favour of mature people in working environment is really well done and makes sense in our west- ern countries totally immersed in the myth of eternal youth, a myth that is almost becoming a tyranny."
. The U.S. Department of Labor has noted the need for more positive messages to counter negative portrayals of employee benefits
"The Department of Labor (DOL) needs to offer positive and affirmative messages to offset the enormous media portrayal of negative employee benefit conditions throughout our country."
. This narrative gap contributes to ageism by reinforcing stereotypes that older adults are not active contributors
"The media portrayal of aging has historically been fraught with negative stereotypes, contributing to societal ageism, which undermines the social inclusion and self-esteem of older populations (Gellis, Sherman, and Lawrance 2003)."
, while in reality, they are redefining their post-career lives with innovation and economic participation.
The 'Encore Career' Phenomenon
The concept of 'encore careers' – jobs that are personally meaningful and contribute to the greater good – is rapidly expanding. This isn't just about supplementing retirement income; it's about purpose and continued engagement. A significant portion of older adults are not just seeking employment but are actively creating it through entrepreneurship. This demographic is leveraging decades of experience, skills, and networks to launch new ventures, challenging the traditional linear career path. The University of Toronto Press highlights the strong arguments for integrating mature individuals into the working environment, countering the pervasive 'myth of eternal youth'
"The argument in favour of mature people in working environment is really well done and makes sense in our west- ern countries totally immersed in the myth of eternal youth, a myth that is almost becoming a tyranny."
.
Economic Impact and Underrepresentation
The economic contribution of older adults through encore careers and entrepreneurship is substantial, yet largely underreported. These individuals often bring a wealth of experience, financial stability, and a strong work ethic, making them valuable assets to the economy. However, mainstream media coverage tends to focus on traditional retirement narratives or the challenges faced by older adults, often framing them as recipients of care rather than active economic participants
"The media portrayal of aging has historically been fraught with negative stereotypes, contributing to societal ageism, which undermines the social inclusion and self-esteem of older populations (Gellis, Sherman, and Lawrance 2003)."
. The U.S. Department of Labor has recognized the need to offset negative media portrayals of employee benefits with more positive messaging
"The Department of Labor (DOL) needs to offer positive and affirmative messages to offset the enormous media portrayal of negative employee benefit conditions throughout our country."
, a call that extends to the broader narrative of aging and work.
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Challenging Ageist Tropes
The persistent, often unconscious, ageism in media coverage contributes to a skewed perception of aging. By focusing on decline or dependency, outlets miss the vibrant reality of older adults reinventing themselves. Research indicates that negative media portrayals of aging foster societal ageism, undermining the inclusion and self-esteem of older populations
"The media portrayal of aging has historically been fraught with negative stereotypes, contributing to societal ageism, which undermines the social inclusion and self-esteem of older populations (Gellis, Sherman, and Lawrance 2003)."
. The narrative of 'encore careers' and late-life entrepreneurship directly counters these stereotypes, showcasing resilience, innovation, and continued societal contribution. It's a powerful rebuttal to the idea that post-55 life is solely about winding down.
Common mistakes
- Focusing solely on the financial struggles of retirees.
This overlooks the significant number of older adults actively engaged in entrepreneurship and 'encore careers,' who are driving economic growth and innovation, not just facing financial hardship. - Portraying retirement as a monolithic, passive experience.
This fails to capture the diverse and dynamic reality of post-career life, where many individuals seek continued engagement, purpose, and entrepreneurial opportunities, challenging traditional notions of aging. - Ignoring the economic contributions of older adults.
By not highlighting 'encore careers' and late-life entrepreneurship, media outlets miss a crucial part of the modern economy and perpetuate ageist stereotypes about older individuals being solely consumers or dependents.
"The media portrayal of aging has historically been fraught with negative stereotypes, contributing to societal ageism, which undermines the social inclusion and self-esteem of older populations (Gellis, Sherman, and Lawrance 2003)."
. The U.S. Department of Labor has explicitly called for more affirmative messaging to counterbalance negative depictions of employee benefits
"The Department of Labor (DOL) needs to offer positive and affirmative messages to offset the enormous media portrayal of negative employee benefit conditions throughout our country."
. We believe the media has a responsibility to reflect the reality of continued contribution and reinvention among the 55+ population, highlighting their innovative spirit and economic impact, as demonstrated by the 'talent revolution' involving mature workers
"The argument in favour of mature people in working environment is really well done and makes sense in our west- ern countries totally immersed in the myth of eternal youth, a myth that is almost becoming a tyranny."
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Frequently asked
What is an 'encore career'?
An encore career is a job that is personally meaningful and contributes to the greater good, often pursued by individuals in their 50s and beyond after a traditional career.
How significant is older adult entrepreneurship?
Older adults are a significant demographic for entrepreneurship, often leveraging decades of experience and networks to launch successful ventures, contributing to economic vitality.
Why does media coverage of retirement miss this trend?
Media often relies on traditional narratives or focuses on challenges, overlooking the vibrant reality of older adults seeking continued engagement and reinvention through 'encore careers' and entrepreneurship.
Sources
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