The Australian workforce is getting older.

In the 1990s, fewer than one in 10 workers were older than 55 — now it is one in five, judging by participation rates.

There are a number of factors why we're working longer: the increase in the eligibility age for the pension, loss of wealth during the global financial crisis, and we can work later in life because we're generally healthier and are often in less arduous jobs.

Those with jobs that are less physically demanding on the body appear to work longer.

Labourers have one of the youngest retirement ages, managers and professionals the oldest.

The exceptions are farmers, fishers and foresters. Maybe it's the fresh air.

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