The number of New Zealanders working full-time beyond the retirement age has increased significantly in the past five years and is expected to double again by 2036.
But the increase has been significantly less for Dunedin pensioners.
Statistics NZ data reveals about 87,600 New Zealanders aged 65 and older were in full-time paid employment in March this year, about 40% more than in March 2013.
About 3300 pensioners in Otago were working full-time this year, about 12% more than in 2013.
In Dunedin, about 1800 pensioners were working full-time this year, about 5% more than in 2013.
The Dunedin residents represented in the data this year include a nurse and a town planner.
Age Concern Otago chief executive Debbie George said people were "living longer, healthier and more active lives'' so could continue to work.
Most of the more than 1000 volunteers at Age Concern Otago were 65 or older, and some were in their 90s.
"They are real contributors - the 90s are the new 70s.''
Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive Dougal McGowan said he believed the percentage increase of people working beyond the retirement age was smaller in Dunedin than across New Zealand because of the cost of living.
The cost of living was more reasonable in Dunedin than in other places in New Zealand so people could afford to stop working at a younger age, he said.
Associate Prof Chrys Jaye, of the University of Otago's general practice and rural health department, said the number of New Zealanders working beyond the retirement age was predicted to double by 2036.
The older workforce could result in a spike in Accident Compensation Corporation claims, she said.
Employers needed to make workplaces as safe and hazard-free as possible.
"This means taking into account risks related to age-related impairments such as declining vision, hearing, physical capacity and balance.''
Minister for Seniors Tracey Martin said about 25% of New Zealanders beyond retirement age were in full-time or part-time work.
Mrs Martin declined to discuss whether New Zealand Superannuation was enough for pensioners to live on, citing a lack of data.
"Super works for most people, but if individuals don't have savings or own their own accommodation, they're going to find it more difficult.''
The planner
He returned to work at the council two days a week to keep his brain active, rather than for the money, he said. He had 47 years’ experience working in local government.
‘‘I’ve got a fair bit of experience to impart on the younger ones ... While my health is good, I’ll work as long as I can.’’
The nurse
Southern District Health Board day surgery unit clinical co-ordinator Pam Nichols (66) began her training to be an operating theatre nurse in Dunedin in 1969.
She worked in operating theatres around the world for 46 years and accepted her current role at Dunedin Hospital, helping patients recover from operations, about two years ago.
She said she did not need the job for the money and worked because she enjoyed it as much as the first day she stepped into an operating theatre.
‘‘I thrive on it, I love it ... As long as I can contribute - and I think I do - I will carry on.’’
SHAWN.MCAVINUE @thestar.co.nz
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Comments
A side effect of older people choosing to work because they are bored or whatever is missed in this article. That is for every person who decides to keep working there is one more younger person who is unemployed.
People can gloss over this by making all sorts of excuses for people who won't retire. Companies take the easy way out and don't have to train replacements, governments can keep pensions down saying people can choose to work longer.
But lets not delude ourselves, this is just another example of we baby boomers taking more than our share.