Older workers seeking to stay ahead of changes in the economy or expand upon their savings are commonly switching careers shortly before retiring. Though a wealth of experience aids these employees in making the lifestyle change they desire, some jobless older Americans are seeking new degrees to help them build credentials for a career change.

Though she'll be 60-years-old when she finishes school, Linnea Schmidt gave up her Florida pottery business, which was disturbed by the recession, to work toward a degree in business administration with an emphasis in healthcare management.

According to the Sun Sentinel, unemployment rates among workers 55-years-old or older are at their highest since 1948.

Betsy Richards, director of career resources at Kaplan University told the news source, "[Older workers] are coming back to solidify their credentials or transition to a new career."

According to Richards, business, education, healthcare, criminal justice and information technology are the most common areas of study for Americans older than 55.

A 2005 study by the Department of Labor Statistics found that 57 percent of U.S. holds maintained at least one retirement account, with the average sum in the accounts totaling $49,944.