For a long time, the idea of turning sixty was closely linked with retirement. It was seen as a line in the sand, a moment when working life ended and the leisure years began. But that picture is beginning to change. More and more people in their sixties are choosing to stay in work, not because they have to, but because they want to. Others are finding that they do need to keep working for financial reasons, but want it to feel purposeful and manageable. Either way, work after sixty is becoming a much more nuanced subject. 

One of the first things to say is that continuing to work in some form can bring many benefits beyond income. A sense of routine, connection, and identity often remains linked to what we do each day. For those who enjoyed their careers, or who have skills they still want to share, staying active professionally can be a source of pride and meaning. It can also be a way to stay mentally sharp, socially engaged, and physically active. 

However, the job market is not always as open or supportive as it should be. Ageism remains a reality. Some employers still make assumptions about older workers, imagining they are less adaptable or less capable of learning new things. Others may worry about health, energy levels, or the ability to fit into a younger team. These assumptions are often outdated and unfair. Research continues to show that older workers bring reliability, experience, problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence that can benefit any workplace. 

The good news is that attitudes are shifting, if slowly. Organisations such as the Centre for Ageing Better and Age UK have been active in campaigning for age-inclusive recruitment and workplace practices. Some employers are recognising the value of mixed-age teams and actively seeking to attract older workers. Flexible roles, phased retirement options, and consultancy opportunities are becoming more common, offering ways to stay involved without committing to a traditional full-time schedule. 

There is also a growing interest in changing careers altogether in later life. Some people reach sixty and find that their interests or values have shifted. They may want to work in a different field entirely, to give back through charity work, or to pursue a long-held passion. Others take the leap into self-employment, freelancing, or starting a small business. Digital tools and online learning have made this easier than ever. It is not always simple, and there are risks to consider, but it can be enormously rewarding. 

Training and upskilling remain important. Whether it is brushing up on digital tools, learning a new system, or gaining a qualification, investing in learning after sixty sends a strong message: you are still growing. Programmes like Skills for Life or local adult education courses can be a good place to start. Employers who invest in training for older workers tend to see a strong return in terms of loyalty and quality of work. 

It is worth thinking, too, about what kind of work feels right at this stage. For some, that might mean fewer hours or less stress. For others, it might mean more autonomy or a better fit with their personal values. The important thing is that you are allowed to redefine success on your own terms. It does not have to look like it did at forty. 

There are still challenges to overcome. Applying for jobs after sixty can feel daunting, especially if you have been out of the job market for a while. Gaps in your CV, unfamiliar jargon, or digital recruitment processes can all be barriers. But there is help available. Organisations such as Rest Less and Working Wise offer support and job listings tailored to older candidates. And age-positive employers are out there. 

At TurningSixty, we believe that your working life is not over just because you have passed an arbitrary milestone. If anything, it might just be entering a new and more meaningful phase. Whether you are working to stay afloat, to stay engaged, or to fulfil a dream, there is no right or wrong way to approach it. What matters is that the choice feels like yours. 

Because the truth is, sixty is not the end of your story. It is just another chapter. And for many, it is one of the most interesting yet. 

Sources

Age and Employment Age UK
Becoming an Age-Friendly Employer Centre for Ageing Better
Flexible jobs and career advice for older workers Jobs Redefined