Despite fierce competition by Baby Boomers, the number of Americans working into their 50s, 60s, 70s and even 80s is at a record high, according to news analysis of federal employment data released by New York-based global outplacement consultants Challenger, Gray & Christmas on Sept. 20.

The surge in percentage of employed “retirees” will only continue, according to predictions, as the Baby Boomer generation heads towards retirement age, but doesn’t plan to retire.

Seventy percent of Baby Boomers plan to stay in the workplace beyond the traditional retirement age of 65, according to research, as employers embrace older workers and job seekers more than ever. In August, the number of workers over 55 reached its highest level ever recorded, 24.6 million. Approximately 25 percent of this group (5.2 million) was 65 and older, 45 percent more than 10 years prior. The number of older workers is growing faster than any other age group, according to Challenger’s research.

READ: Non-Retiring ‘Retirees’ Fastest-Growing Job Market Sector

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