The stock market is down, inflation is up and senior citizens are re-entering the workforce.

“They see their retirement portfolios pretty flatline or go down a little bit,” Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC President and CEO Ryan Unger told CBS 21 News’ Samantha York.

“They would not have expected to ride out their golden years but then they realize they need additional funds to survive,” Lebanon-Lower Dauphin County Seniors Helping Seniors Owner Susan Tipton said.

“Everything is so expensive, you can’t afford it,” explained Tipton’s employee, Nina Ritchie. “They need the money, that’s why they go back to- they have to.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 19.5% of Americans 65+ had jobs in May 2020. Two years later, that number’s reached 22%.

“Social Security and their retirement aren’t keeping up with inflation,” Unger said. “And they’re looking for ways to try to mend that gap.”

“The cost of living, what it costs for gas, to go to the grocery store,” Tipton said. “It’s really increased over the last year that they need supplemental income.”

For many, it’s about extra money on the side. For Nina Ritchie, it’s about meaningful employment.

“I just couldn’t stay at home all the time,” Ritchie explained.

“This gives them a great opportunity with flexibility to come in, work several hours a week helping us out and then they’re helping individuals stay in their home longer,” Lebanon-Lower Dauphin County Seniors Helping Seniors Operations Manager Phil Tipton said.

“And that’s why I went to work there,” Ritchie added.

It’s a welcomed return for businesses battling labor shortages, like Seniors Helping Seniors in Lebanon County. It provides non-medical in-home care, while the need for caregivers grows in one of the oldest states in the country.

“We’re getting calls every day,” Phil said.

“We have a waiting list,” Susan continued.

“As we see folks return to the workforce, that’ll help alleviate some of the challenges that we’ve had in filling some of these jobs,” Unger concluded.