America is witnessing the emergence of a new stage of life between adult midlife and old age. This new stage of life spans several decades and is 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.

In 2005, the MetLife Foundation/Civic Ventures New Face of Work Survey found that aging boomers have a strong desire to launch a new chapter in their working lives that involves significant social contribution. Individuals over 50, especially adults between 50 and 55, showed a surprisingly high level of interest in making shifts from their intense midlife careers to new pursuits that improve life in their communities.

This desire for meaning in the post-midlife years has the potential to meet widening human resource shortages in sectors like education, health care, and social services. However, only 12% of these 50+ adults think it will be very 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.