Author(s): Marc Freedman

General

As the baby-boomers reach retirement age, this timely book examines why millions of sixty-somethings are choosing to carry on working. The Baby Boomers - the generation born in the post-war years - are heading into their golden years. But instead of the old dream of 'freedom from work', increasing numbers are choosing the freedom to work - in new ways, on new terms and to new ends. This book describes the competing visions for work that are already lining up to capture the hearts, minds and time of baby boomers who are not content, or affluent enough, to spend the next 20 or 30 years of their lives on the golf course. In America, the movement of tens of millions of 60-somethings into a new phase in their working lives constitutes one of the most significant social trends in nearly half a century. Unprecedented numbers of Boomers are refusing to fade away. Instead, they are looking for a new phase of work that offers more meaning, and launching 'Encore' careers as teachers, environmentalists and even social entrepreneurs.
As their numbers begin to swell, these individuals hold not only the potential to transform work, but to create a society that balances the joys and responsibilities of contribution across the generation - in other words, one that works better for all generations.