A new study of global high net worth individuals found that many will continue to work past their 60s thereby offering a new definition of retirement. Some even see this time period as an opportunity to try new ventures and challenges.

The Barclays Wealth Survey of 2000 persons with a net worth of 1.5 million in assets found that nearly 60 percent of respondents will continue with some form of professional work, whatever their age. Although some respondents are keenly aware of the likelihood of their continued longevity, they are also interested in continued personal development.

Nearly sixty percent of high net worth persons and 54% of affluent Americans have no plans to retire ever and will work full time or start their own business. Those countries with the greatest percentage of respondents who will continue to work were as follows:

Saudi Arabia: 92%

UAE: 91%

South Africa: 89%

United States: 75%

Nations with more traditional views of retirement yielded a lower percentage who desired to continue working and these included:

United Kingdom: 60%

Japan: 46%

Spain: 44%

Switzerland: 34%

This new view of how to spend the “retirement” years is seen in the less wealthy populations as well and is encouraging as more people will remain involved regardless of their age. This will help people continue to think critically, problem solve and even create. These behaviors are healthier than passivity and isolation.