By 2030, one in three residents of the region will be over the age of 55. MetroFuture sees the growing ranks of older adults as assets to their communities. As these baby boomers age, they may choose to continue working, or to volunteer in their communities. Fewer of them will move out of the region, thanks to abundant housing opportunities and a high quality of life.

In 2005, half of all Massachusetts Boomers described themselves as “very or somewhat involved in community and neighborhood activities.” About 60% had volunteered in the previous year and over 70% planned to volunteer post-retirement. Aside from civic and community group activities, many seniors will stay involved in public life through the workplace. Boomers currently make up about 45% of the Commonwealth’s workforce, and about half plan to keep working past age 65. About two thirds intend to work even after retirement.

While continued employment allows seniors to remain engaged in their communities and earn extra money, boomers should have the option not to work post-retirement. Currently, about 40% of boomers who plan to work after retirement expect that they will do so out of financial necessity rather than choice.

If Current Trends continue, an increasing number of seniors will move out of the region; from 1990 – 2000, the net outmigration rate for people over 65 was 2.5%.