For more than a decade, labor academics and human resource executives have been preparing for the “next” generation — from the millennials, now the largest working population, to the newest members of the workforce, Generation Z.

But older Americans are increasingly working later into life. While roughly 10,000 baby boomers a day will reach retirement age between 2011 and 2029, only about 5,900 a day are retiring. Fred Hubacker, 75, continues to work a full schedule as executive director for Birmingham-based turnaround and advisory firm Conway MacKenzie Inc. With more than 50 years in automotive industry experience, Hubacker frequently steps in as temporary CEO of floundering companies.

Retirement just isn’t an option — not yet. “I can still do 12 hours if I need to and my guys know that,” Hubacker said from his Cadillac en route to a meeting. “Some days it’s only three hours. But I’ve still got my health and my experience and I would like to continue to put that to good use. I can still make contributions with my significant experience. I still have something to offer.” He’s not alone.

More than 265,000 Michiganders 65 years old and older were in the labor force in 2018. That’s up from just 160,000 in 2010 and 163,000 in 2005, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics. Next year, 26 percent of the U.S. workforce will be 55 years old and older, compared to only 14 percent in 2002.

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