Learn or leave the market

CHAPTER 6
HOW TO STAY SHARP 
AFTER FIFTY

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 Chapter 6. How to Stay Sharp After Fifty.
There are about 300,000 people over 
the age of 100 on the planet and this 
number, according to UN predictions, 
will exceed 3 million people by 2050. 
By that time, the average life 
expectancy will have increased 
to about 76. This will lead to older 
people losing their professional 
relevance at a progressively later 
age.
The share of older people among 
the working population is growing 
faster than any other age group. More 
and more countries are “aging” with 7% 
of their total population over the age of 65.
In Iceland, the employment rate among people 
in the 60 to 64 age group is at 82.9%, while for the 65 to 69 age group 
this rate is 56.3%. Finland is the current leader in terms of population 
aging. It has almost finished the transition from the early retirement 
model to the concept of a life-long career. Japan has the highest 
share of elderly people, with almost 25% of its population aged 
65 and above. In Europe, there are currently four people of work-
ing age for every retired person, but by 2050 this ratio will change 
to 1 to 2.
Research by the American Association of Retired Persons showed that 
40% of working retired people changed their profession after the age 
of 55. This gave them a boost to go back to having an active and full 
life.
Therefore, when approaching your “silver” age you shouldn’t consider 
all your main achievements are over. The time has come when 50+ 
employees have not just limitations, but an impressive list of advan-
tages as well.

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How to Stay Sharp After Fifty. Chapter 6.