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| Nearly 550,000 Americans 80 and older are still working, and the number is rising. Getty images |
For most people, the idea of working into their 80s might sound extreme a last resort, a sign of misfortune, or even an impossibility. But for nearly 550,000 Americans aged 80 and older, it’s not only a reality, but for many, a choice. Whether it’s for income, structure, social engagement, or a sense of purpose, work after 80 is no longer a fringe phenomenon it’s quietly becoming a new phase of the American labor landscape.
The Reinvention Generation
At 88, Harvey Mendelson is still doing what he’s done for most of his life: reinventing himself. His resume spans stockbrokering, real estate, car sales, and now, photography. From his California photo gallery and digital print shop, Mendelson produces fliers for a local theater and displays his own work. The income is modest, but that’s by design.
“You retire at 65, and in three days, you’re 80,” Mendelson said. “You need to try to do things you're happy with, and for me, it’s always been being independent.”
Mendelson’s sentiment captures the quiet revolution happening among America’s oldest workers: independence, engagement, and the desire to keep contributing even after most people are expected to slow down.
The Fastest-Growing Labor Segment
The U.S. labor force is aging, and the 80+ cohort is growing faster than any other. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Americans 75 and older are twice as likely to be working today compared to the early 1990s. The trend is expected to continue, fueled by rising life expectancy, more years of good health, and, crucially, the decline of traditional pensions.
While younger generations chase remote work and early retirement, many from the Silent Generation the cohort born between 1928 and 1945 are still showing up, clocking in, and shaping the economy in surprising ways.
What Jobs Are They Doing?
Truth Sider analyzed Census Bureau data to find out where America’s octogenarian workers are thriving. The top jobs for workers 80 and older include:
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Managers
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Retail salespeople
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Lawyers
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Drivers
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Real estate brokers
The most common industries? Construction, education (especially elementary and secondary schools), and religious organizations.
Surprisingly, the median income among these workers in 2023 was $57,100, with about 26% earning over $100,000 annually, and more than 10% surpassing $200,000. Roughly a third, however, earn under $40,000 suggesting a mix of both high-performing professionals and part-time or supplemental earners.
Real Estate, Construction, and Community Ties
Bobbie Beckham Sellers, 93, of Tennessee, is still actively managing about 30 rental properties. She started her real estate business in 1972 with just $1,000, and it grew to become one of her county’s largest firms. She retired a few years ago and handed over daily operations to her son, but she never really left.
“Quitting my real estate career was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” she said. “It took me years to stop feeling guilty about not being in the office.”
Then there’s Richard Jackson, 81, a Marine veteran who founded a construction company five decades ago. Now, he and his children oversee three companies that together employ over 1,000 people and operate across most of South Carolina. Jackson still holds his commercial driver’s license and occasionally hops behind the wheel of a dump truck.
For Some, It’s Still About the Money
While many continue working by choice, not everyone has the same privilege. Some older Americans are still on the job because they need the paycheck. Health expenses, housing costs, or inadequate retirement savings push them to stay employed.
Leonard Carter, 82, works about 20 hours a week managing operations at a family textile byproducts business in South Carolina. While Carter has saved well and receives $2,500 monthly from Social Security, he says past financial rough patches and the unpredictability of life make continuing to work a prudent choice.
“I tell people I’m coming out of this office feet first,” Carter said. “It’s a sense of purpose, and it’s also knowing I’m doing something good recycling materials that would otherwise go to landfills.”
Highly Educated, Mostly Male, and Often White
According to Census microdata, the Americans still working in their 80s tend to be disproportionately educated, male, and white. Nearly 60% are men, although men represent just 40% of the 80+ population. Additionally, about 42% of those still working have a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to just 27% of the broader 80+ population.
Geographically, these workers are clustered in California, Florida, and New York, states with large populations and diverse economies. Many work part-time or in flexible roles, but others remain deeply involved in managing or owning businesses.
Working for Fun and for a Challenge
Some continue to work not because they have to, but because they want to stay sharp, social, and fulfilled.
John Kasun, 86, a former engineer, once ran an archery equipment business from his basement. He now writes part-time for an outdoor magazine and keeps active in his Pennsylvania community. With about $1.5 million in liquid assets and $80,000 in annual retirement income, he doesn’t work for the money he works for the stimulation.
“For me, money is like a goose that lays a golden egg every Monday,” Kasun said. “If you eat it on Sunday, you don’t get the egg. I don’t want anything to happen to me that I can’t handle financially.”
Kasun sees tasks everywhere he can help. “I’m a problem-solving guy. Anytime I see something I can do, I jump in.”
A Purpose That Goes Beyond a Paycheck
Though there are exceptions, the majority of octogenarian workers are not doing it out of desperation. According to United for ALICE, 73% of Americans over 80 who work are above the minimum income threshold for basic living expenses. But that doesn't mean the income isn’t welcomed or that the work doesn’t matter.
Stephanie Hoopes, national director for United for ALICE, said many seniors take on part-time work for a boost in security and many employers welcome them for their reliability.
“There are places in the country that struggle to fill roles in retail and services,” Hoopes said. “Seniors bring a level of dependability and experience that’s incredibly valuable.”
The Future of Aging and Work
As Social Security’s long-term sustainability becomes uncertain, and as retirement expectations evolve, more Americans may follow the lead of people like Mendelson, Sellers, and Carter. Not everyone can or should work into their 80s, but those who do are redefining what aging looks like in a modern economy.
Some, like retirement economist Teresa Ghilarducci, caution that continuing to work past 70 is not ideal for everyone, especially those in physically demanding or low-wage roles. “Working past 70 is often not humane,” she said, noting that poor job conditions can lower life expectancy.
But for those with flexibility, autonomy, and purpose, work can become less of a necessity and more of a privilege a chance to continue contributing, solving problems, and staying vibrant well into what used to be considered the twilight years.
