Less Than Half of Older Americans Can Work From Home: Here's Why That's a Problem

A report from Boston College's Center for Retirement Research found that just 44 percent of American workers aged 55 to 64, and 47 percent of those 65 and older, have jobs that can be performed remotely, according to Kenosha News . This means that over 50 percent of older workers may have trouble staying employed or returning to a job for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Late-in-life job losses could derail retirement plans, and a remote-work option for more older employees could reduce jobless rates in the 55-and-over demographic. Older workers who lack that option could raid their retirement plan as opposed to retiring five to 10 years earlier than intended. Meanwhile, older Americans who are laid off or opt out of the workforce to protect their health should try to upskill and gain qualifications for new jobs they could conduct remotely. Finally, older employees whose jobs align well for remote work should push for that option if it is not readily available among their employers.