Experience is America's only growing natural resource

60 is the new 40. In the last century, the average U.S. lifespan has grown by 30 years. In 1900, the typical American lived to age 47; today it is age 78. Many Americans over 60 feel approximately two decades younger than their chronological age.

A second half of work. Americans neither expect nor want to put their feet up and not work in the "retirement years." Four out of five people over 50 say they will work in retirement, whether full time or part time, whether for money or enjoyment.

From doing well to doing good. People who plan to continue working say it is very important that their work in retirement gives them a sense of purpose, keeps them involved with people, and helps them improve the quality of life in their communities.

Putting experience to work

• 59 percent say staying involved with other people is very important in attracting them to a job in retirement.
• 57 percent say it's very important that the job give them a sense of purpose.

• 48 percent strongly support increasing funding for Americans who go back to school or who get training to prepare for work in schools or social services.
• 46 percent strongly support a grant or tax credit for Americans over age 50 who spend a year in training for community service or actually working in a job in public or community service.

What looks good to people who want to do good work?

• Most see retirement as a time to begin a new chapter in life by being active and involved, starting new activities, and setting new goals.
• Two-thirds of those age 50 to 54 are interested in taking jobs now or in the future to help improve the quality of life in their communities.
• More than three-quarters of those who say they'll work in retirement are interested in working to help the poor, the elderly, and people in need.
• Nearly half strongly support funding to enable older adults to get training for work in schools or social services after retirement.