5 Secrets to Healthy Aging from America's Oldest Workers

Interviews with nearly 200 Americans aged 80 and older who are still working reveal that the secret to a long and healthy life is not found in strict diets or heavy gym routines. Instead, these older workers and researchers agree that mental stimulation, strong social networks, and a sense of purpose are the keys to longevity.

Most of those interviewed considered themselves "healthy," yet only a handful devoted hours to strenuous exercise beyond walking. The study highlights that maintaining a routine, staying optimistic, and finding ways to feel young are vital for thriving in later years. Below are the five most common tips shared by these workers for living a fulfilling life.

According to the interviews, the advice for living into the 80s and 90s often contradicts conventional wisdom regarding fitness. While many participants considered themselves "healthy," only a small number engaged in strenuous exercise beyond walking. The consensus was that the secret to a long life involves mental stimulation, having a strong social network, and finding ways to feel young.

While a minority felt that working was a detriment to their quality of life, the majority believed that working added extra years to their lives, even if they had no choice but to work. Dozens of researchers on aging and work shared similar thoughts, emphasizing that purpose and drive were the attitudes that kept older workers engaged and thriving.

The five most common tips for living a fulfilling life include:

• Feeling and acting young
• Having a steady routine
• Maintaining optimism when times are tough
• Finding purpose in and out of work
• Maintaining social connections

Many of America's oldest workers strive not to look or feel "old." In the words of 101-year-old author Jack Weber, "Don't let the old man in." This mindset involves various strategies to maintain a youthful appearance and spirit. Some women reported dyeing their hair or dressing younger, while men often stayed involved with physical labor at construction sites or manufacturing facilities.

Interacting with younger colleagues is a common tactic to feel relevant. Some workers learned the newest slang terms or studied AI fundamentals to stay "hip." Adopting this mindset helped workers develop longer-term goals and overlook the physical hardships of aging.

Patricia Casey, 80, works as a librarian and media manager for a high school in Colorado. She stated, "I feel much younger than I am." Casey exemplifies this active approach: "For my 80th birthday, I took two girlfriends, and we went to Las Vegas... Then two weeks ago, I took another girlfriend to Cuba for four days. I don't spend too much money, but I'm able to enjoy things."

Having a steady routine is a critical component of healthy aging. Many of the workers interviewed had retired and then returned to work because they disliked how unproductive their lives felt. Without a schedule, some struggled to fill the hours of the day. Dozens of workers said they cherished having responsibilities and places to be on a regular basis.

Some workers woke up as early as 4 a.m. to get to work, finding that packed days kept them alert and active. Eileen Hartigan, 87, works as an administrator for a medical school in Virginia and values this structure. She explained, "When you get older, sometimes there's a tendency to get up, turn on the TV, and stay there. I needed to get back into the routine of getting up, showering, getting dressed, and getting ready to do something."

While some workers wished for more flexibility for medical appointments, the overwhelming agreement was that a busy schedule contributes to alertness and physical activity.

Optimism is essential for navigating the hardships that come with aging. As substitute teacher David Hugo Barrett, 82, noted, "Aging isn't something that can be taken lightly." Nearly all workers interviewed had dealt with significant hardships recently, such as the loss of a spouse or friend, major diagnoses, financial mishaps, or job loss.

Despite these challenges, every worker had something that kept them positive. For some, work was the main motivator; for others, it was the desire to make their families proud. Many refused to dwell on regrets, choosing instead to focus on the future.

Marilyn Gettinger, 83, works as an instructor of supply chain management in New Jersey. She acknowledged financial tightness but remains forward-looking. "Some months are good and some months are not so good right now, but I have a lot of things in the queue," Gettinger said. "At least until I'm 85, I'm going to work as much as I can."

The concept of "purpose" appeared in the majority of interviews. Many older workers seek to contribute meaningfully to their community, regardless of financial need. They strive to see an impact, such as a smile on a client's face or a positive book review on Amazon. Many take on mentorship roles, teaching younger generations about business strategies or technical skills.

Social connections are equally vital. While some workers had few friends, nearly all stressed the importance of a small support network to combat loneliness. Bill Smith, 86, who owns a café in Texas, highlighted the value of long-term relationships: "I have made so many friends through the years and seen a lot of 69 years, though I've seen a lot of my friends pass on."

Workplaces often serve as hubs for these connections, providing intergenerational interactions that keep workers feeling engaged and supported.