The other end of the age curve is just as interesting - and deserves more attention. People aged 65 and older are sticking around in the workforce a lot more th

The other end of the age curve is just as interesting - and deserves more attention. People aged 65 and older are sticking around in the workforce a lot more than they used to. The author claims this is because they need $$$ to cover healthcare costs, but the universal availability of over age-65 Medicare makes that doubtful. From everything I see, people over age 65 want to stay in the game. Many of them are surprisingly healthy, and with the general collapse of factory work, most of the available jobs tend to be physically manageable service-sector work that provides a lot of interesting social interaction and affirmation of personal worth. Plus extra spending cash! The head clerk at my local hardware store is 82 years old and knows everything about hardware! He doesn't move much from the cash register, and much younger folks stock the shelves. But he's the go-to guy when it comes to advice about acrylic vs. latex paint, etc. He likes to teach and we're grateful for it. Same story among school crossing guards, which is a prime part-time job for the over 65-set. My uncle kept picking up consulting income way into his 70s. Same basic story. Non-U.S. healthcare systems can get his input via PDFs, emails and video conferencing. No need to leave his Arizona condo unless he wants to. For older people in frail health with limited skills, these options aren't open. But the role of the voluntarily working elderly is an overlooked bright spot.