New England states have among high share of boomers still working

New England states have some of the highest share of 65-and-up adults in the workforce , according to preliminary 2023 census data.

Why it matters: The 2024 presidential campaign is sparking a fresh conversation about age, ability and mental acuity.

The big picture: It's not uncommon these days for older Americans to stay in the workforce, particularly in states with older populations.

• Nationally, almost 19% of adults 65 or over are still working .

Zoom in: 22.2% of adults 65 or over in Massachusetts are employed, per the U.S. Census Bureau.

• Vermont had the highest share of working adults 65 and over in the nation (25.6%).
• Connecticut reported 22.4%.

Between the lines: Today's older workers are better educated, working more hours, and more likely to be receiving employer benefits, compared to past decades, per the Pew Research Center .

• Changes to Social Security and retirement plans — especially in a high-cost state like Massachusetts — factor into how much time people stay in the workforce.