Speaker Event in Plymouth: Rethinking Retirement

In the face of shrinking budgets, government funding and the realities of living longer, many baby boomers are returning to work. According to the Department of Labor Statistics, the number of workers age 65 and older increased 101 percent between 1977 and 2007. Our definition of retirement has changed.Today, visionaries like fellow-boomer Chris Farrell are helping seniors realize their role in this ever-changing workplace. On September 19, the senior editor economics contributor for Marketplace Money, a program from American Public Media broadcast locally on Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) that focuses on the latest business trends, will bring his expertise to the Plymouth Creek Center as part of its annual Lifetime of Learning speaker series. Here’s what you can expect from the free event:1) Real Talk About the New Retirement Age: Twenty years ago, retirement was equated with traveling expeditions, playing golf or laying in the sun all day—and hanging up the work jackets for good. But this is the verge of a new retirement age. “We have to re-evaluate what retirement means,” Farrell says. “We’re moving toward a world where people will continue to work, which is going to be a critical part of retirement.” Farrell will talk about the positive impacts of this transformation and why staying attached could be better than the total disengagement of the past.2) Discovering New Opportunities: In re-evaluating this new retirement age, it’s important to talk about what kinds of jobs are available. Among some of the questions Farrell will address: What options exist for post-retirement careers? Does retirement involve part-time or contract work? What about starting a business?3) Plenty of Discussion: Farrell encourages everyone to bring questions and participate in the lively public forum that will follow his presentation. “This is part of national conversation we are having about working longer, and it’s an exciting period, but also a time of transition,” Farrell says.&WHAT: Chris Farrell: Lifetime of Learning Series SpeakerWHEN: 7-8:30 p.m., September 19WHERE: Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Ave. N.COST: FreeINFO: 763.509.5281; plymouthmn.gov