The number of older Americans in the workforce is rising sharply. As of 2024, 11.6 million Americans ages 65 and older were part of the U.S. workforce — a 132% increase from 2004, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
This shift reflects longer lifespans, higher living costs and evolving views of retirement — and it’s helping fuel demand for flexible, remote jobs. But access to those flexible jobs isn’t equal across the country and some states stand out for older workers seeking remote roles.
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Top States for Older Workers in Remote Jobs
A CareScout report identified the states where many older workers have flexible, location-independent jobs. According to the report, states with the highest percentages of older remote workers tend to provide these workers with greater autonomy and a labor market that accommodates their needs.
Coastal and Western states dominate the list, with Washington, Oregon and Colorado all ranking high. Here’s a look at the top five states, ranked by the percentage of older workers who work remotely.
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District of Columbia: 24.9%
Why Remote Work Matters More After Age 65
Choosing a work-from-anywhere job can provide older workers with more freedom than a typical office or service job.
“Retirement is no longer viewed as a full stop; instead, it’s becoming a more flexible and personalized phase of life,” said Novo Constare, CEO of Indeed Flex. “The rise of flexible work … has made it significantly easier to re-enter the workforce on one’s own terms.”
Remote jobs can benefit workers who want to work full time, but also retirees looking for part-time work.
“What we are seeing is retirees actively choosing work that fits their lifestyle,” Constare said, “rather than reshaping their lives around work.”
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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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