Let’s start off on the right foot

“Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been.”
–David Bowie

The skinny

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Workers are rethinking retirement, discovering success in the midst of today’s labor shortage.

If you love something…
Let it go? Uh well, whether laid-off or nearing that finish line anyway, many employees retired from the workforce in the early stages of COVID-19. Two years later, 20% of recent retirees have previous employers asking them to return. And many are ready to take ‘em up on that offer, à la Tom Brady or Barbra Streisand.

They really put the Boomer in boomerang.
At a level unseen since Megxit in early 2020, today over 3% of workers who were retired a year ago are now employed—confirming that some people didn’t exit positions according to their color-coded life plans.

And my money on my mind.
True, inflation and financial concerns are bringing back some of these employees. Others though, may not be experiencing the bliss they had anticipated during retirement and are looking for something meaningful to fill their time.

Welcome home?
Magic 8-ball says, “outlook not good.” Not only would the majority not return to their former employer, they’re considering changing industries altogether. With decades of real work experience, a knack for seeing the big picture, and somehow more tech savvy than anyone thought, older workers are finding opportunities that are just too good to pass up.

Leave the door open.
While many of these unretirees are basking in newfound flexibility, some may have discovered they’re in a grass-is-always-greener situation. Armed with new industry insights and new appreciation of organizational culture, you should encourage boomerang behaviors.

Unretirees? Is that even a word?
Yeah, actually, adults over age 50 are the fastest-growing segment of the workforce. Experts say we’re facing a demographic shift unparalleled in human history.

Forget the triangle. A population rectangle.
Today’s world and workplace have nearly equal distributions of people in most decades of life. Medicine is not only lengthening life expectancy but improving the aging process, meaning more people can enjoy health and independence into their 80s.

On the same wavelength.
When employers embrace life transitions, fewer people have to choose between aging gracefully and their career passions. Consulting or part-time positions are a natural shift for older employees to continue to share their knowledge and mentor tomorrow’s professionals.

Date with data: Job seekers 55 and older experience long-term unemployment at a rate 12 percentage points higher than the overall population.

Further reading: Unlocking the potential of multigenerational workforces

The skinny

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On our 100th edition of the Skinny, we’re finding out what it takes to make it to 100.

The One Hundredth.
Rating second in its premier week (thanks, ER) the centennial episode of Friends boasts nearly 27 million viewers in 1998. Just two episodes since Ross accidentally said “Rachel” at the altar, this one introduces the triplets and is rumored to be Lisa Kudrow’s favorite episode.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
Did Netflix lose almost a quarter-million subscribers in less than 100 days because, although they were able to skate by for a while, audiences have decided they can’t fill the void after losing Friends and The Office?

Who knows!
What we do know: Streaming services have served the bingeable show well, creating a multigenerational fanbase, despite 21st century criticisms.

Know Kane Tanaka?
Born prematurely, the oldest living person in the world passed away earlier this month at 119 years old. Tanaka held the title for more than three years. She’s now recorded as the second-longest lived person in history, behind Jeanne Calment who died at 122.

Centenarians.
Scientists say a 130-year lifespan is around the corner, predicting that half of today’s kindergarteners will cross the 100-year mark.

Must be those antioxidants?
Please don’t abandon your local farmers’ market, but no, eating more berries will not add years to your life. Lifestyle choices (emphasis on life) are definitely a contributing factor, though genetics and quality of living give you the edge needed to celebrate a 100th birthday.

Flip a coin.
Sorry to be crass, but once someone crosses a certain threshold, the risk of death plateaus, with a 50-50 chance of living or dying every year. Theoretically, there’s no limit to the human lifespan.

Calculate it, mark the day, plan your death ‘fit.
Okay, let’s take a chill pill. Next time you have five minutes to kill, this calculator will estimate your life expectancy to the year. So spill, do you floss every day?

Looks legit *side eye*
Although asking critical questions about our health and happiness can set ourselves up to build better habits, it’s unlikely you can truly predict the year you’ll take your last breath.

Like a basketball.
The key to longevity is developing the skills to bounce back from trials and focus on what’s really important. The longest, happiest lives are not without grief. Those who hone resiliency within themselves will have extra years (possibly decades!) to fill with anything that sets their heart on fire.

Double date: Positive beliefs about aging can add seven-and-a-half years to your lifespan.

For you: Celebrate our 100th Skinny edition and snag your freebie here (249 remaining!)