We are witnessing a new stage of life - after midlife but before true old age - spanning several decades and characterized by generally good health, relative financial stability, and an active, engaged lifestyle. Rather than representing a liability for society, it provides a somewhat unexpected asset - in the form of unprecedented human capital.  The question is not whether Americans will work past "traditional" retirement age, rather what kind of work will they do?

According to the recent Encore Career Survey by the MetLife Foundation and Civic Ventures more than 5.3 million Americans have already launched an encore career and nearly half of those surveyed between the ages of 44 and 70, are interested in finding an encore career that combines continued income, personal fulfillment, and social impact.  They want to use their accumulated experience and skills to work with youth, improve our environment and make a difference with a local nonprofit.  Respondents most interested in social purpose careers tend to be the youngest: 50 percent of boomers ages 44-50 say they want encore careers.

This desire for meaning in the post-midlife years has the potential to meet widening human resource shortages in sectors like education, environment, health care, and social services. However, most 50+ adults think it will not be easy to find jobs where they can make a difference. Many will need to add specialized learning to prepare for and succeed in these new roles.

Community colleges - most of which have excellent workforce programs and services in place and have developed strong relationships with local employers - have an important role to play as the connecting link between boomers seeking encore careers in the social sector and prospective employers.