From the Guidelines

More than a quarter of cardiologists are practicing beyond the typical retirement age of 61 years.

According to data from 2018, 27% of cardiologists were aged 61 years and older 1.
This trend is not limited to cardiologists, as more than 2 of 5 currently active physicians will be aged 65 years or older within the next decade 1.
The percentage of part-time cardiologists has been decreasing over the years, from 14.0% in 2012 to 5% in 2018 1.
Despite the increasing age of practicing cardiologists, fewer report working part-time hours (defined as <1.0 full-time equivalent) 1.
The Association of American Medical Colleges continues to collect data to update estimates of physician retirement and work patterns, highlighting the need to understand these patterns in greater detail 1.

From the Research

A significant number of physicians continue to practice beyond the typical retirement age, with 23% of practicing physicians in the United States being 65 years or older in 2015 2.
A study found that 65% of physicians aged 65 and older had no plans for retirement, and 54 out of 58 respondents were still in practice 3.
Physicians commonly reported retiring between 60 and 69 years of age, with ongoing financial obligations and strategies to mitigate career dissatisfaction being factors that influence retirement decisions 4.
The number of practicing physicians older than 65 years in the United States has increased by more than 374% since 1975, indicating a trend of physicians practicing beyond typical retirement age 2.

Excessive workload and burnout were frequently cited reasons for early retirement, while ongoing financial obligations delayed retirement 4.
Factors such as the desire to maintain the status quo, fear of diminishing competence, and loss of control over one's declining practice also influenced retirement decisions 3.
A survey of rural Minnesota physicians over age 60 found that factors influencing their plans to retire included their current practices and personal circumstances 5.

The aging of physicians has important implications for clinical practice and health workforce planning, particularly in rural areas where older physicians are more likely to practice 6.
Healthcare organizations may need to consider promoting retirement mentorship programs, resource toolkits, education sessions, and guidance around financial planning for physicians throughout their careers 4.
Individual health care organizations could develop policies to address the aging physician, such as mandatory age-based evaluations, to ensure patient safety and maintain institutional ties 2.