Planning to Retire

Life After the Baby Boomers Retire

By Emily Brandon

Posted: August 21, 2008

All of the baby boomers will be age 65 or older in 2030. At this point, 1 in 5 U.S. residents will be solidly in the gray-hair-and-creaky-joints category.

The number of citizens ages 65 and older is expected to double from 38.7 million this year to 88.5 million in 2050, the U.S. Census Bureau projects. And the 85-and-older population is expected to swell to 19 million in 2050, triple the 5.4 million in that category today.

Meanwhile, the percentage of the population between the "working ages" of 18 and 64 is projected to decline from 63 percent to 57 percent in 2050.

Of course, all baby boomers won't retire at age 65. Although most people today retire at age 63, numerous surveys have found that many baby boomers will need and want to work past age 65. I recently asked several retirement experts to name an ideal retirement age for baby boomers to shoot for. Most told me at least 66 and preferably age 70 or older. And there seems to be a growing interest in part-time work and interesting new opportunities. On the other hand, some boomers will likely find themselves unexpectedly retiring younger than they had planned.

Tell us, what do you think life will be like after all the baby boomers reach age 65?

Your seeing it....

theres less experienced people in charge now and no education. just like all the airplanes crashing because theres kids running the radar towers and there not educated enough and have no experience. one reason this country is gone into the whole is because of the baby boomers leaving it all up to us. didnt transfer this country over to us young folks properly. i said only 1 reason! OB 08

will goodwin of FL @ Sep 23, 2008 00:12:46 AM

Your seeing it....

theres less experienced people in charge now and no education. just like all the airplanes crashing because theres kids running the radar towers and there not educated enough and have no experience. one reason this country is gone into the whole is because of the baby boomers leaving it all up to us. didnt transfer this country over to us young folks properly. i said only 1 reason! OB 08

will goodwin of FL @ Sep 23, 2008 00:12:43 AM

When All Boomers are 65

I don't think life in America will be much different than it is today when all boomers turn 65. America keeps close to the status quo. A war every so often. Innovations. Inflations. A crisis here and there. The Republicans for a couple of terms. The Democrats for a couple of terms.

Rita

Rita of WA @ Aug 24, 2008 23:07:46 PM

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Planning to Retire

Planning to Retire

Reporter Emily Brandon tells you how to get ready financially for retirement and to make your golden years the best they can be.

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