Research by insurer Zurich Life suggests that the number of people returning to work and starting their own businesses after retirement — a process they have dubbed 'returnment' — will continue to increase.

A spokeswoman said: 'Our research shows that as life expectancy continues to rise and the amount of time people spend in retirement increases, many are re-evaluating a work-free environment.'

Chris Ball, chief executive of campaign group The Age and Employment Network … Called on employers to allow a larger number of older staff to either stay in work longer, or return to the workforce after retirement.

"The current economic situation where more and more older people are having to turn to credit to meet their everyday living expenses, and where fewer than four out of 10 people are contributing to an occupational pension, means that longer working and 'returnment' are two trends that are becoming well established," Ball said.

John Elway stayed home in Cherry Hills and played with two of his children on the May 25 national holiday, while Janet Elway took their other two kids to a youth-soccer match.

"Are you going to keep playing and say it on my birthday?" asked Jordan Elway, who would be 11 on June 1, the day of Elway's self-imposed deadline to announce either his retirement or returnment.