If ever there was a role model for post-retirement working, it has to be the knighted 73 year old rocker Mick Jagger. The lead singer of the iconic Rolling Stones is belting out the lyrics as well as ever – last year leading the band as the star attraction in a big music California festival which raked in a staggering $160m.
The world’s over-65 population has grown from 5% in 1950 to 8% today and an expected 16% by 2050. According to research published in The Economist, a 70 year old living in America only has a 2% chance of dying within a year. In 1940, you had to be 56 for the same low odds. In Britain there were just 17 centenarians in 1917. Today there are almost 15 000. The grey dollar is mushrooming.
What should you do about this? An obvious business opportunity awaits. And from a personal slant, know that living longer means there’s no shame in re-adjusting retirement intentions. Have the confidence to believe 70 really is the new 50 – so if you still have the energy, apply it productively. And when in doubt, look at Sir Mick.
