At 93, Patricia Willson begins her day with a nurse tending to her leg, a reminder of how fragile life can become in one’s ninth decade.

Yet, not far from her bandages and medical records sits a stack of job listings and a worn cover letter she continues to send out.

She scrolls through freelance websites and whispers to herself, “I really need a job.” For millions of older Americans, retirement isn’t an option—it’s a luxury they can’t afford.

The Aging Workforce​

Across the country, nearly 550,000 people over 80 are still clocking in every day. Some do it by choice, but many, like Willson, do it out of necessity.

With Social Security stretched thin and savings depleted, older workers are finding ways to stay afloat—even if their health is failing.

Researchers note that while working later in life can help people stay active, it can also be physically demanding for those battling chronic pain, mobility issues, or heart conditions. Still, the will to work often outweighs the strain, especially when a paycheck means stability.

When Retirement Isn’t an Option​

Patricia Moore, 81, manages a California gas station despite nerve pain and swelling that make standing difficult.

“Retirement is not in the near future,” she said, pointing to rising costs and limited savings. Likewise, 82-year-old David Hugo Barrett works as a substitute teacher in Maryland after realizing his 401(k) and Social Security wouldn’t last as long as he’s lived.

“People say age is nothing but a number. That’s just simply not true,” he said. “Aging is not something that can be taken lightly.” For many like Barrett, work is the only way to stay financially and emotionally grounded.


Also read: From retiring to rehiring: Seniors may lead new labor trend—Will you be part of it?

Fatigue and Frustration​

For others, fatigue has become a familiar companion. In Arkansas, 84-year-old Ardel Richter juggles notary jobs that barely cover her expenses after losing her husband and much of her income.

“It’s a tightrope walk with no net,” she said. In Northern California, 81-year-old Kathy Curtis works part-time at a water company—not because she wants to, but because she has to.

“I’ve never made a lot of money,” she said, “but I've also never looked, acted, or felt like a poverty case either.” Many in her generation now find themselves walking that same fine line between survival and exhaustion.

Purpose Over Pay​

Not all older workers are driven solely by financial need. Some, like 81-year-old nonprofit founder Clark Allan Blasdell, keep working for purpose and pride.

Despite losing much of his vision, Blasdell continues leading his organization, relying on trains and others for transportation. Still, he hopes to work until the day he dies since the extra money won't hurt.

For 84-year-old Jane Way, who works remotely from a wheelchair as an accountant for a South African orphanage, the job offers more than income—it gives her meaning. “I intend to be working when I reach 100,” she said. “We’ll see if that happens.”


Also read: Older Americans are delaying retirement—why working after 65 is quickly becoming the new normal

The Economics of Aging​

Experts say the growing number of Americans working into their 80s and 90s reflects deeper national issues.

The US population is aging rapidly, and by the mid-2030s, there will be more people over 65 than under 18. Economists warn that this shift could slow growth and strain social programs.

Harvard’s Nicole Maestas notes that those who continue working “help the equation,” but many face mounting health challenges without adequate support.

With limited healthcare coverage and rising living costs, millions of older adults are forced to stay in the workforce long past traditional retirement ages.

Holding on to Hope​

Back in Arkansas, Willson sits at her desk surrounded by papers, memories, and quiet determination. She knows the odds are stacked against her, but refuses to give up.

“Everyone thinks their situation is pretty bad,” she said softly, “but I know there are people a lot worse than I am.” She dreams of steady work, better health, and peaceful nights of sleep.

For now, she’ll keep applying, keep hoping, and keep believing that her story—like so many others—isn’t over yet.

Read next:

• At 90, he should be enjoying retirement—instead, he’s stocking shelves to stay afloat
• One 79-year-old made this Social Security mistake and now lives on just $92—don’t let it happen to you

At a time when retirement seems out of reach for so many, these Americans remind us what endurance truly looks like. Would you still be working in your 90s if it meant keeping your independence—and your dignity?