I'm working because I have to. I don't want to." "I'm basically working seven days a week." "I don't want to fall into sedentary mode." "I'm still full of energy. I'm still very much on my game."
These are some of the stories we heard in interviews with nearly 200 Americans who continue to work past the age of 80. In 2025, Business Insider wrote more than 20 stories and produced a short documentary video — all examining why people over 80 continue to work well beyond the typical retirement age.
Older workers are the fastest-growing sector of the US labor force. Our "80 over 80" project examines the how and why.
Check it out below:
Reported features on work and aging
These stories, organized by date of publication, feature interviews with workers and leading experts on aging, retirement, and workplace organization. They identify broader trends through reporting and academic research, combining personal narratives, data, expert commentary, and photography.
Why so many Americans over 80 are still working
13 min read
Working is not a choice for some older Americans. Despite heart failure, an 81-year-old navigates a job at Home Depot.
18 min read
How Google, Microsoft, Walmart, and other corporate giants are preparing for an aging workforce
8 min read
Workers in their 80s and 90s share 5 tips for staying healthy and active
7 min read
Japan's older workers made me see how the US could better prepare for an aging economy
9 min read
From Social Security to jobs: Older Americans were anxious this year
9 min read
They died 'doing what they loved': The stories of workers in their 80s who died on the job
12 min read
Thousands of Americans in their 80s are working in some of the most dangerous professions.
14 min read
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
10 min read
Some of America's oldest workers hold jobs while battling major health issues
14 min read
Starting a business in your 80s isn't easy — but it may be the only way to earn a living
9 min read
From 6 figures to minimum wage: America's oldest workers are taking pay cuts
10 min read
These 80-somethings are using AI more than you
10 min read
Older Americans in their 80s are applying for jobs — and hitting a wall
10 min read
They're in their 80s, still working, and living paycheck to paycheck
11 min read
What work looks like in your 80s for half a million Americans
10 min read
In their own words
Personal essays, in the form of an as-told-to style, capture older workers' experiences firsthand. They are shortened and edited for clarity.
I'm 91 and the oldest working female comedian. Here's what I learned from starting a new career late in life.
7 min read
I'm an 81-year-old home builder. People are shocked I'm still framing houses at my age, but I love what I do.
6 min read
I'm an 83-year-old yoga instructor. I still need to work, but it's important to keep moving at my age.
6 min read
I'm 87 and earn $12 an hour working two jobs. I hope to retire by 90, but who knows if I'll be able to.
5 min read
I'm 84 and work late nights from my wheelchair. I can't comfortably retire, and I intend to work until my 100th birthday.
6 min read
I'm 81 and can't retire, so I work a part-time job for $18 an hour. Regret is a waste of time.
7 min read
I'm 82 and still working to stay afloat. I wish I'd saved more, but my job is meaningful.
7 min read
I'm an 82-year-old real-estate broker and forklift driver. I have no plans to retire — they'll have to drag me out.
6 min read
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.
7 min read
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.
6 min read
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.
7 min read
I'm 90 and work at a convenience store. I make $14.90 an hour and money is tight, but I hope to retire.
7 min read
I still work at 82 because I have $60 saved and $15,000 in debt. My tech startup and passion for learning AI keep me going.
7 min read
I attended an AI class for older Americans. They hoped to use it to plan vacations, apply for jobs, and unretire.
9 min read
We're married and both still work in our 80s. We can't afford to retire, but it helps us get out of the house.
8 min read
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.
7 min read
I'm 81 and work at Trader Joe's while I launch my own business. I don't live my life in regret.
6 min read
I'm 90 and still working to get by on $1,100 monthly in Social Security. Finances are tight, but I'm not worried.
6 min read
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.
6 min read
I'm 80 and still working. I've filed for bankruptcy twice and have only $37 in my savings account, but I feel blessed.
7 min read
I worked at the same company for almost 60 years. Here's why it pays to stay put.
7 min read
I'm 87 and work full time. I was rejected from hundreds of companies in my 80s and have a low-paying job, but I love the work.
7 min read
I'm 85 and don't have retirement savings — but I'm not too worried about it
5 min read
I'm 93 and still working. I don't have much saved, but life continues to be fulfilling.
6 min read
