We’ve reported here how science continues to debunk those old, tired tropes of Aging. You’ve heard them before: The best years are behind you. Getting older is a period of decline, a gradual goodbye to satisfying work, accomplishments, adventures, style, sex – you name it.
But SuperAgers know that we can strive to live our most fulfilling and vibrant lives, no matter our age. And maintaining, or embarking upon, a thriving career is just one way to do so.
In fact, for a growing number of people, their 60s, 70s—and beyond—are a high-impact, high-satisfaction stage of work. Many remain in roles they Love; others pivot to launch companies, consult, teach, or join nonprofits. Research has shown that continued, meaningful engagement (including paid work) is associated with better cognitive function and emotional well-being. The throughline isn’t just income—it’s purpose, mastery, and social connection.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA)identifies several key ways that work can promote healthy aging:
Cognitive reserve: Complex, problem-solving work appears to bolster the brain’s “reserve,” potentially delaying cognitive decline. Two recent NIA-funded studies in Alzheimer’s & Dementia associate higher occupational complexity with better cognition later in life—one of several strands tying mentally demanding work to cognitive Health. The NIA also emphasizes that sustained, meaningful engagement supports brain health across older adulthood.
[Read: Lifelong “cognitive reserve” helps maintain late-life cognitive health]
Economists Rohwedder & Willis (Journal of Economic Perspectives) find that earlier Retirement is linked to lower cognitive performance in the early 60s—data consistent with a “use-it-or-lose-it” effect.
[Read: World’s oldest practising doctor, 100, says, “Retirement is the enemy of longevity!”]
Structure and purpose: Purposeful routines, such as work, have been associated with an improved mood, less Stress and better Sleep— all factors that can impact healthy aging and lifespan. The upside appears strongest when work is meaningful, mentally engaging, socially connected, and reasonably flexible.
Social capital: Colleagues, clients, and communities curb isolation—a known risk factor for Depression and physical illness, per the Centres of Disease Control (CDC). Later-life studies also tie balanced working hours and social engagement to fewer depressive symptoms.
Financial Security: Even part-time work can help to relieve Money stress and preserve savings. Worries over finances is a major source of stress, which can lead to a myriad of health problems such as depression, Anxiety, Heart Disease, and cognitive decline. Research shows that ongoing stress even accelerates aging at a cellular level by shortening telomeres, the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes.
Warren Buffett (b. 1930) led Berkshire Hathaway into his mid-90s and announced in May 2025 he’ll hand the CEO role to Greg Abel at year-end—an almost 60-year run at the top while continuing as chair. Longevity and performance, not a gold watch.
Ridley Scott (b. 1937) released Napoleon (2023) and Gladiator II (2024) and lined up multiple new films for 2025—directing at 87 with no signs of slowing down.
Martha Stewart (b. 1941)—still running a Lifestyle empire—became SI Swimsuit’s oldest cover model at 81, a culture-resetting moment that underlined commercial relevance well into the 80s.
Morris Chang (b. 1931) founded TSMC at 56, building the world’s most important chip maker—an enduring reminder that outsized ventures often flow from deep, mid-career expertise. Older founders are not exceptions—they’re advantaged: domain knowledge, networks, and managerial scar tissue all boost odds of success.
Jane Fonda (b. 1937) continues to reinvent herself well into her late 80s—as an actor, activist, and wellness icon. After revitalizing her career with Grace and Frankie, she remains a visible advocate for climate action and women’s empowerment, proving that purpose-driven work and influence can thrive long after traditional retirement age.
Vera Wang (b. 1949) launched her namesake bridal line at 40, long after a successful run as a Vogue editor and figure skater. Today, well into her 70s, she’s expanded into home design, fragrance, and ready-to-wear fashion, embodying the idea that creative energy doesn’t age out—it evolves.
Arianna Huffington (b. 1950) co-founded The Huffington Post at 55, then pivoted again in her 60s to launch Thrive Global, a company focused on well-being and workplace resilience. Her success illustrates how later-life ventures can shape entirely new industries.
Dorrie Jacobson (b. 1934), a former Playboy Bunny, became a digital influencer at 80 with her blog Senior Style Bible, building a global following by redefining beauty and fashion for older women.
Granny Droniak (b. 1930), better known online as Grandma Droniak, became a viral TikTok sensation in her 90s with her candid humor, life advice, and “funeral guest list” videos. With millions of followers and brand partnerships, she’s living proof that influence, creativity, and relevance are ageless—and that joy and connection thrive when we stay fully engaged with the world around us.
[Read: Never say never: 12 SuperAgers who continued to make their mark later in life]
Unfortunately, ageism in the workplace still exists. EEOC data shows persistent age-discrimination activity with high-profile cases and payouts on the rise, especially for senior professionals. Know your rights, document performance, and seek age-inclusive employers.
Also, of course, job-fit matters. If your role is physically demanding or chronically high-stress, consider redesigning duties, negotiating flexibility, or pivoting to consulting or teaching—roles that retain purpose without the wear-and-tear.
Think hitting your 60s, 70s, 80s or beyond means your working life is over? Think again. Many people choose to continue working well past conventional retirement age—not just for financial reasons, but because they find purpose, fulfillment, and social connection through their jobs. Research consistently shows that staying engaged in meaningful work can support cognitive function, emotional well-being and other health benefits.
In short: retirement is optional, not mandatory (which is why we’ve devoted an entire section of our website to Work &Unretirement!).
David Letterman says there’s a “human mechanism” that makes retirement “a myth”
“Retirement” isn’t only about money. If you don’t keep working, what else might you be risking?
Nearly half of US adults say retiring at 65 is “unrealistic”
Meet 10 entrepreneurs over 60: The trend is just getting started!
More Americans want to start a business than retire
1 in 4 US adults over 50 who aren’t retired expect to retire…never
Guess what’s the fastest-growing segment of the workforce (Hint: Not Gen Z)
Longevity with purpose – Top tips from a healthy aging expert
Content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional financial or medical advice.
