Could Ted Danson, the former Cheers sitcom star, be the new poster child for the coming Longevity Wave?
The new Netflix show, “Man on the Inside” tells the story of a retired professor, who combatting loneliness following the death of his wife, takes the advice of his daughter and re-enters the workforce.
The job he selects is far from the norm. Danson becomes a Private Eye working undercover at a senior care facility in downtown San Francisco.
In talking about his new role, Danson says he’s happy to be “part of the discussion” around Aging and at age 76, says: “Life doesn’t end until it ends, so keep going.”
So, is Ted Danson the new poster boy for the coming wave around Longevity workers? Does he deserve it?
Well, yes and no.
Retirees are definitely returning to the workforce in greater numbers. In fact, according to a new Korn Ferry study, 1 in 8 retirees – about 13% – plan to return to work this year. And that’s in addition to the 22% of retirees that are already working in some type of job in the workforce.
The reasons for returning for the workforce are diverse, but the need to fund one’s retirement – to keep earning money – is the #1 driving force.
However, this is not the motivator for Ted Danson to go undercover and spy on his fellow seniors. From all appearances, Danson is very well-off and lives in a hip modern house in the Oakland Hills.
But the overall message – that older workers are coming – is definitely made in this cute, if formulaic Netflix mini-series.
Bottom line – the job of poster child and symbol(s) for Longevity Workers is still open and Applications are Welcome!