Read Business Insider's stories and watch our video after nearly 200 interviews with workers over 80

Jason Henry, Laura Thompson, Lanna Apisukh, Matt Martian Williams, Brittany Greeson, Cassidy Araiza, Alyssa Schukar, Bridget Bennett, Tim Gruber, Michael J. Fiedler for BI

Jason Henry, Laura Thompson, Lanna Apisukh, Matt Martian Williams, Brittany Greeson, Cassidy Araiza, Alyssa Schukar, Bridget Bennett, Tim Gruber, Michael J. Fiedler for BI

2025-12-04T18:59:34.129Z

Why so many Americans over 80 are still working

They died 'doing what they loved': The stories of workers in their 80s who died on the job

Thousands of Americans in their 80s are working in some of the most dangerous professions.

I'm 81 and can't retire, so I work a part-time job for $18 an hour. Regret is a waste of time.

I'm 82 and still working to stay afloat. I wish I'd saved more, but my job is meaningful.

She's 90 and a professional caregiver. Workers over 80 say jobs that help their peers live longer and better are the best they can get

Some of America's oldest workers hold jobs while battling major health issues

I'm 81 and still working. It's not for the paycheck — it's part of my secret to aging well.

I'm 81 and live in my RV for half the year. I didn't save enough for retirement, so I stay afloat by 'work camping' and DoorDash driving.

I'm 82 and earn $16 an hour working at a boat store. I don't have much saved and can't retire, but everything will work out.

Starting a business in your 80s isn't easy — but it may be the only way to earn a living

We're in our 80s and refuse to retire from our family farm. It doesn't bring us much money, but it's where our love is.

From 6 figures to minimum wage: America's oldest workers are taking pay cuts

I'm 90 and work at a convenience store. I make $14.90 an hour and money is tight, but I hope to retire.

These 80-somethings are using AI more than you

I attended an AI class for older Americans. They hoped to use it to plan vacations, apply for jobs, and unretire.

Older Americans in their 80s are applying for jobs — and hitting a wall

They're in their 80s, still working, and living paycheck to paycheck

I'm 85 and can't find a job. I receive over $5,000 a month, but it's not enough — I feel like I'm on a sinking ship.

What work looks like in your 80s for half a million Americans

I'm 81 and work at Trader Joe's while I launch my own business. I don't live my life in regret.

Working is not a choice for some older Americans. Despite heart failure, an 81-year-old navigates a job at Home Depot.

I'm 90 and still working to get by on $1,100 monthly in Social Security. Finances are tight, but I'm not worried.

I'm 84 and drive for Uber to pay my bills. I've made some unfortunate investments, but I'm not worried about the future.

I'm 80 and still working. I've filed for bankruptcy twice and have only $37 in my savings account, but I feel blessed.

Life lessons from 90-year-olds who are still working, active, and financially savvy

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