keep on working

Reaching retirement age doesn’t mean slowing down

By Judi Kanne

For some, work is a four-letter word. For others, it’s so much more. If you happen to be in your late 60s, you may see yourself— and many more seniors—staying in the workforce instead of retiring. Generally speaking, that’s a good thing. Experts tell us that work provides the potential for positive social interaction, as well as a support structure for everyday life.

Today, the question seniors are asking is, “How long?”—meaning at what point should they quit working. Some seniors believe “never quit” is the right response.

“For me, it’s a matter of slowing down,” said Janet Claussen, a theology teacher at Marist School in Brookhaven who’s in her mid-60s. Claussen enjoys what she does, and has been doing it for the last 18 years. However, now she believes it’s better for her health to not work quite so hard. “I’m thinking about part-time,” said Claussen. Like most teachers, her hours extend far beyond the classroom, with grading papers and taking care of students who need that extra bit of time.

“Maybe I will continue to teach, but

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