Business
Gray Labor: The U.S. Cities Where More Seniors Are Working Past Retirement on September 15, 2023 at 8:10 pm Business News | The Hill

For years those born in the decades after WWII were considered a golden generation, possibly the last to experience a job for life and, often, a healthy pension to go with it.
Yet today, 20 percent of seniors work past the traditional U.S. retirement age of 65, according to a new study from Smart Assets.
Of course people continue to work for a variety of reasons. Many enjoy it, value the social aspect, or like exercising skills built over a lifetime. Others do it because they enjoy the additional earning power it brings.
Given that the average monthly retirement benefit for Security Security recipients is around $1,780, some do it because they must, to make ends meet.
We’re working longer
A variety of factors are encouraging people to work longer. For a start, the fabled defined benefit schemes of yore, those “Rolls Royce” pensions for which employers took responsibility and which, typically, promised a retirement income of two thirds of final salary, are now vanishingly rare.
The wholesale shift to defined contribution schemes, in which the responsibility for retirement savings falls squarely on the individual, doesn’t always provide the golden years that individuals expected.
Reports suggest the average balance in employer-sponsored savings plans, including 401(k)s and 403(b)s, was $112,572 in 2022, and that’s down from $141,542 the previous year.
Providing for old age has always been fraught. The Roman emperor Augustus promised his troops a pension equivalent to 12 times their salary, after 20 years’ service. He did so not out of altruism but to quell the risk of uprising.
German chancellor Otto Von Bismarck is credited with devising the modern pension, which he introduced in the 1880s to people aged 70 and over. At the time, German life expectancy was less than 40.
A large part of the reason people work longer today is because we are living longer. While, sadly, life expectancy in the U.S. has actually fallen in recent years, people can still expect to live longer than previous generations.
Systemic factors at play
Moreover, while ancient Romans and 19th century German chancellors had vast quantities of taxable youngsters joining the workforce to pay for pensions, the U.S. has an aging population. Currently one in six people in the United States is aged 65 or over, up from one in 20 just 100 years ago.
With a birth rate of 1.64 births per woman, far below the 2.1 replacement rate, the ratio of youngsters to seniors is not going to change any time soon.
The fact that the full retirement age, traditionally 65, has been rising – to 66 for those born in 1955, and 67 for those born in 1960 or later – is also increasing the age of working seniors as a matter of course.
The fact that Social Security retirement benefits increase up until the age of 70, for each month you delay drawing them down, is a factor too.
Little wonder that in some U.S. cities, more than 25 percent of seniors are still working.
Indeed, by 2031, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that almost one third of all people aged between 65 and 74 will either still be working or out looking for work. In 2001 that figure was less than one fifth.
Somewhat ironically, employment has become a component of retirement planning. The Smart Assets study, which looked at recent labor force data for 34 of the country’s largest cities, found Dallas tops the poll, with 28 percent of over 65s there still in the labor force.
For seniors looking for work, LA, Boston and Las Vegas are the cities in which it is hardest to get.
Where seniors are working, the study suggests many are doing so for good money. People aged 65 and older who continue working in San Francisco earn on average over $193,000 per year. San Jose ($175,675), Seattle ($156,330) and Washington D.C. ($144,947) come next.
If you’re keen to keep earning after 65, for whatever reason, you’ll find loads of great opportunities on The Hill jobs Board.
Media Manager, Federal Relations Specialist, Washington DC
The Joint Commission is an independent, not for profit, and the nation’s oldest and largest accrediting body in healthcare. It is looking for a Media Manager to work closely with national healthcare consumer, policy, and trade reporters, on proactive and reactive media relations. Work is on a hybrid basis, so no more commuting five days a week.
Associate Director for Policy and Partnerships, FDA, remote
You’ll be working in the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, which is responsible for carrying out the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, passed in 2009. You’ll be providing authoritative advice on potential and emerging tobacco policy and regulatory issues and because it’s remote, you can work from home.
Government Affairs Analyst, NASAA, Washington
North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) is devoted to supporting the work of U.S. state and territorial securities regulators. As Government Affairs Analyst you’ll have at least three years’ of experience tracking, analyzing, and summarizing state or federal legislation relating to securities regulation or a related policy area, along with strong research and communication skills.
Insurance Sales Representative, Performance Matters Association, TX
If you fancy moving to the city that already has the highest quotient of seniors in work, how
about this Insurance Sales opportunity in Dallas, Texas. PMA is actively seeking motivated individuals who desire to positively impact lives and become leaders in their community.
Lobbying, Business For years those born in the decades after WWII were considered a golden generation, possibly the last to experience a job for life and, often, a healthy pension to go with it. Yet today, 20 percent of seniors work past the traditional U.S. retirement age of 65, according to a new study from Smart Assets….
Business
Why 9 Million Americans Have Left

The Growing American Exodus
Nearly 9 million Americans now live outside the United States—a number that rivals the population of several states and signals a profound shift in how people view the American dream. This mass migration isn’t confined to retirees or the wealthy. Thanks to remote work, digital nomad visas, and mounting pressures at home, young professionals, families, and business owners are increasingly joining the ranks of expats.

Rising Costs and Shrinking Wallets
Living in the US has become increasingly expensive. Weekly grocery bills topping $300 are not uncommon, and everyday items like coffee and beef have surged in price over the last year. Rent, utilities, and other essentials also continue to climb, leaving many Americans to cut meals or put off purchases just to make ends meet. In contrast, life in countries like Mexico or Costa Rica often costs just 50–60% of what it does in the US—without sacrificing comfort or quality.
Health Care Concerns Drive Migration
America’s health care system is a major trigger for relocation. Despite the fact that the US spends more per person on health care than any other country, millions struggle to access affordable treatment. Over half of Americans admit to delaying medical care due to cost, with households earning below $40,000 seeing this rate jump to 63%. Many expats point to countries such as Spain or Thailand, where health care is both affordable and accessible, as a major draw.

Seeking Safety Abroad
Public safety issues—especially violent crime and gun-related incidents—have made many Americans feel unsafe, even in their own communities. The 2024 Global Peace Index documents a decline in North America’s safety ratings, while families in major cities often prioritize teaching their children to avoid gun violence over simple street safety. In many overseas destinations, newly arrived American families report a significant improvement in their sense of security and peace of mind.
Tax Burdens and Bureaucracy
US tax laws extend abroad, requiring expats to file annual returns and comply with complicated rules through acts such as FATCA. For some, the burden of global tax compliance is so great that thousands relinquish their US citizenship each year simply to escape the paperwork and scrutiny.
The Digital Nomad Revolution
Remote work has unlocked new pathways for Americans. Over a quarter of all paid workdays in the US are now fully remote, and more than 40 countries offer digital nomad visas for foreign professionals. Many Americans are leveraging this opportunity to maintain their US incomes while cutting costs and upgrading their quality of life abroad.

Conclusion: Redefining the Dream
The mass departure of nearly 9 million Americans reveals deep cracks in what was once considered the land of opportunity. Escalating costs, inaccessible healthcare, safety concerns, and relentless bureaucracy have spurred a global search for better options. For millions, the modern American dream is no longer tied to a white-picket fence, but found in newfound freedom beyond America’s borders.
Business
Will Theaters Crush Streaming in Hollywood’s Next Act?

Hollywood is bracing for a pivotal comeback, and for movie lovers, it’s the kind of shake-up that could redefine the very culture of cinema. With the freshly merged Paramount-Skydance shaking up its strategy, CEO David Ellison’s announcement doesn’t just signal a change—it reignites the passion for moviegoing that built the magic of Hollywood in the first place.

Theatrical Experience Roars Back
Fans and insiders alike have felt the itch for more event movies. For years, streaming promised endless options, but fragmented attention left many longing for communal spectacle. Now, with Paramount-Skydance tripling its film output for the big screen, it’s clear: studio leaders believe there’s no substitute for the lights, the hush before the opening credits, and the collective thrill of reacting to Hollywood’s latest blockbusters. Ellison’s pivot away from streaming exclusives taps deep into what unites cinephiles—the lived experience of cinema as art and event, not just content.
Industry Pulse: From Crisis to Renaissance
On the financial front, the numbers are as electrifying as any plot twist. After years of doubt, the box office is roaring. AMC, the world’s largest theater chain, reports a staggering 26% spike in moviegoer attendance and 36% revenue growth in Q2 2025. That kind of momentum hasn’t been seen since the heyday of summer tentpoles—and it’s not just about more tickets sold. AMC’s strategy—premium screens, with IMAX and Dolby Cinema, curated concessions, and branded collectibles—has turned every new release into an event, driving per-customer profits up nearly 50% compared to pre-pandemic norms.
Blockbusters Lead the Culture
Forget the gloom of endless streaming drops; when films like Top Gun: Maverick, Mission: Impossible, Minecraft, and surprise hits like Weapons and Freakier Friday draw crowds, the industry—and movie fans—sit up and take notice. Movie-themed collectibles and concession innovations, from Barbie’s iconic pink car popcorn holders to anniversary tie-ins, have made each screening a moment worth remembering, blending nostalgia and discovery. The focus: high-impact, shared audience experiences that streaming can’t replicate.
Streaming’s Limits and Studio Strategy
Yes, streaming is still surging, but the tide may be turning. The biggest franchises, and the biggest cultural events, happen when audiences come together for a theatrical release. Paramount-Skydance’s shift signals to rivals that premium storytelling and box office spectacle are again at the center of Hollywood value creation. The result is not just higher profits for exhibitors like AMC, but a rebirth of movie-going as the ultimate destination for fans hungry for connection and cinematic adventure.

Future Forecast: Culture, Community, and Blockbuster Dreams
As PwC and others warn that box office totals may take years to fully catch up, movie lovers and industry leaders alike are betting that exclusive theatrical runs, enhanced viewing experiences, and fan-driven engagement are the ingredients for long-term recovery—and a new golden age. The Paramount-Skydance play is more than a business move; it’s a rallying cry for the art of the theatrical event. Expect more big bets, more surprises, and—finally—a long-overdue renaissance for the silver screen.
For those who believe in the power of cinema, it’s a thrilling second act—and the best seat in the house might be front and center once again.
Business
Why Are Influencers Getting $7K to Post About Israel?

Influencers are being paid as much as $7,000 per post by the Israeli government as part of an expansive and sophisticated digital propaganda campaign. This effort is designed to influence global public opinion—especially among younger social media users—about Israel’s actions in Gaza and to counter critical narratives about the ongoing humanitarian situation.

How Much Is Being Spent?
Recent reports confirm that Israel has dedicated more than $40 million this year to social media and digital influence campaigns, targeting popular platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. In addition to direct influencer payments, Israel is investing tens of millions more in paid ads, search engine placements, and contracts with major tech companies like Google and Meta to push pro-Israel content and challenge critical coverage of issues like the famine in Gaza.
What’s the Strategy?
- Influencer Contracts: Influencers are recruited—often with all-expenses-paid trips to Israel, highly managed experiences, and direct payments—to post content that improves Israel’s image.
- Ad Campaigns: State-backed ad buys show lively Gaza markets and restaurants to counter global reports of famine and humanitarian crisis.
- Narrative Management: These posts and ads often avoid overt propaganda. Instead, they use personal stories, emotional appeals, and “behind the scenes” glimpses intended to humanize Israel’s side of the conflict and create doubt about reports by the UN and humanitarian agencies.
- Amplification: Paid content is strategically promoted so it dominates news feeds and is picked up by news aggregators, Wikipedia editors, and even AI systems that rely on “trusted” digital sources.
Why Is This Happening Now?
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has generated increasing international criticism, especially after the UN classified parts of Gaza as experiencing famine. In this environment, digital public relations has become a primary front in Israel’s efforts to defend its policies and limit diplomatic fallout. By investing in social media influencers, Israel is adapting old-school propaganda strategies (“Hasbara”) to the era of algorithms and youth-driven content.
Why Does It Matter?
This campaign represents a major blurring of the lines between paid promotion, journalism, and activism. When governments pay high-profile influencers to shape social media narratives, it becomes harder for audiences—especially young people—to distinguish between authentic perspectives and sponsored messaging.

In short: Influencers are getting $7,000 per post because Israel is prioritizing social media as a battleground for public opinion, investing millions in shaping what global audiences see, hear, and believe about Gaza and the conflict.
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