Report: More Americans Putting Off Retirement Until Final Few Moments Before Death

[Zorro]

WASHINGTON—According to a report released Monday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial concerns are prompting a growing number of Americans to delay retirement until the very last seconds of their lives.

“Given economic conditions over the past decade, we have seen more and more middle-class citizens waiting until their final handful of breaths to step down from their careers,” said Bureau spokesperson Dolores Snyder, who told reporters that older Americans are now enjoying retired life for half an hour on average, typically long enough to have a pleasant conversation with a loved one or get started on a crossword puzzle.

“Retirement’s different for everyone—some people may finish up working and then live off Social Security benefits for a few moments before passing on, while others might be able to lead active retired lives that last an entire afternoon. After a lifetime of working tirelessly to support themselves and their families, being able to enjoy several dozen seconds of retirement is a much-needed reward for most Americans.”

Snyder added that to live comfortably in retirement, an increasing number of retirees are opting to supplement their income during their final few moments on earth with part-time jobs.

http://www.theonion.com/articles/report-more-americans-putting-off-retirement-until,36764/

The Onion never disappoints.

[elleng]

1. NOT the Onion but

happened to my husband.

[Zorro]

3. My condolences

It does seem that many seniors today are forced to extend their time on the job out of necessity.

It's quite disturbing to read all the reports about how little so many have saved for retirement, and are dependent primarily on Social Security.

[elleng]

4. Thanks.

Your points are correct generally, but were not so concerning my husband. He had a very high paying govt job, had been recovering from cancer treatment and took a lot of time 'off,' and at 68, finally decided formally to retire. He didn't want to do so.

Due to the excellent federal government savings plan and my husband's investment strategy, his (unexpected) death left my daughters, his beneficiaries, with real windfalls, and temporarily provided him with abundant retirement income. As a survivor, I have also benefited.

[Zorro]

5. I ascertained from previous posts that you were financially stable

and that your husband liked his job. I'm just unnerved by credible reports that many approaching retirement age have only a few thousand dollars saved.

I'm fortunate enough to retire now if I so please, but there is that certain finality of walking out the door one last time that gives me pause.

[elleng]

6. Yes, it is unnerving that so many can't afford to retire.

I didn't want to retire, circumstances forced my hand. Tho my circumstances are fine now, with very nice place to live and ok finances, I'd be happier if I were still working, would have continued (as did my husband) had I been able.

[Smarmie Doofus]

2. Oh...... man! I can't WAIT! n/t

[SheilaT]

7. I keep on meeting people who

retired fairly young, usually from a government job of some sort, and then went back to work because, according to them, they were bored with staying home. I just don't get it. I do get working because you need the money, but I've never had a job I particularly liked, and so for me not working is vastly better than working. I can always find things to do, trust me.

[Nay]

8. I'm in your shoes. I never found a job I particularly liked, even though I am

college-educated and fairly intelligent. I retired a bit early (61) because I got breast cancer and have never looked back. I was lucky in many ways, mainly in that my former workplace offers health insurance to its retirees.

I'm certainly not bored at home. I go to the gym, I walk, I see the grandkid, read, quilt, watch the birds, and travel. Not bored at all!