How long do you plan to work?

My grandfather literally worked until the day he died at age 78.  Chances are, I probably won’t.

Today, Americans are living longer than ever before, but that isn’t always translating to extra years in the workplace.  According to a government report released last week, only 19 percent of men aged 65 and older were part of the labor force in 2003, down from 46 percent in 1950.

These statistics are particularly interesting as the massive Baby Boomer generation edges toward retirement age.  Almost one-in-five workers in large companies offering pension plans is retirement-eligible today, and another third will become eligible to retire over the next 5-10 years, according to the AARP.  Companies are offering incentives to postpone retirement, and even hiring retirees from other companies, a joint survey from CareerBuilder.com and America Online found.

The impact of the boom in retirees is uncertain, but it’s certainly something that experts will be watching.