Reinventing Retirement - Make the Most of a Post-Retirement Job

As you look ahead to retirement -- or, if you've already entered those years, consider ways to reshape it -- odds are you may think about some kind of employment, not just to keep the paychecks coming but to stay busy, productive, and involved.

Don't be put off by rampant misconceptions about older workers. You can pull your weight at the office well past 65, and employers are beginning to realize it -- and count on it.

Clearly, some occupations are unappealing or even off limits for older employees, who may work less swiftly or and some can possibly struggle with physically strenuous tasks. Yet contrary to popular belief, workers over 55 don't sustain more work injuries or absences -- younger workers do.

Moreover, more and more thoughtful employers are adjusting their work environment and benefits -- -doing things like improving lighting and acoustics and offering regular health screening and fitness programs -- to accommodate workers of all ages and capabilities.