In this model, retirement as a permanent separation from work becomes just a temporary choice. The key aspect of bridging is that it is work in other than a career job. Bridging is sometimes described as a second career. The three most frequently cited reasons for returning included having financial need, liking to work, and keeping busy. Reasons cited for remaining or returning to the workplace expressed the social meaning of work.
Work is more than earning a living.
It is a way to live. To some extent older workers remain in the workplace because they are healthier, cognitively able, and want to remain engaged. With declining birthrates and an anticipated shortage of new entrants to the work force, early retirement will become an issue for organizations to explore in more detail. Organizations will need to assess the consequences to profits and productivity of encouraging talented and wise elders to exit the work force. As a society we need to recognize all of the costs of supporting a nonworking population capable of productive work and living healthier and longer lives.