When Vince Scidone arrived at work on the morning of his 90th birthday, he was greeted not with the ordinary rhythm of a typical shift but with an unexpected celebration orchestrated by his supervisors and colleagues. A festive display—a chorus of cheers echoing through the room, an abundance of balloons tied together in colorful bouquets, generous servings of ice cream, and a collection of gift cards—set the tone for the milestone. Amid the laughter and indulgence, one teammate lightheartedly admonished him, saying, “Don’t go climbing any ladders today,” a reminder both of his advanced years and the camaraderie shared with his peers.
Working at the OnCue convenience store just outside Oklahoma City, Scidone usually mans the grab‑and‑go station where he prepares quick meals for customers. On this day, however, many patrons paused to share warm words of congratulations, marveling aloud that he hardly looked older than seventy. Scidone himself admitted with a grin that he felt spry—only days earlier he had played a round of golf and handled his lawn‑mowing duties without difficulty, evidence of his continued vitality.
Although his present job may seem modest, Scidone once built a successful career as a carpenter, retiring from that line of work more than twenty years ago. That trade had afforded him higher wages, but in his later years, financial necessity drew him back into the labor force. At OnCue, he now works roughly twenty hours weekly, earning just under fifteen dollars per hour by preparing pizzas, quesadillas, and tacos. He acknowledges candidly that this work is essential, as both he and his wife rely on the paycheck to help meet household expenses.
On paper, their income might appear sufficient. Together they receive about $104,000 annually through Social Security benefits and his pension. Yet their monthly costs quickly erode this figure: payments of $2,500 for two cars, a substantial $2,700 mortgage, regular church contributions totaling $1,400, in addition to utilities and other living expenses. His savings account holds less than $100, leaving little margin for emergencies or indulgences. Scidone explained that his personal aspiration at this stage of life is not extravagant: he hopes to eventually achieve a degree of stability that would allow both him and his wife to retire fully and afford the simple joy of visiting their children and grandchildren. While he regrets not being able to provide them with significant financial gifts or material inheritances, he recognizes that his present position limits such possibilities.
Scidone’s story is emblematic of a broader trend among America’s oldest workers. Data show that individuals in their 80s, and even their 90s, often find themselves restricted to modest employment opportunities, particularly in retail, front‑desk, grocery, or cashier roles. Business Insider’s analysis of Census Bureau figures revealed that while this demographic earns a median income near $57,000 per year—higher than workers overall, whose median is roughly $45,000—many older employees are in positions that pay hourly wages well below what they once earned earlier in their lives. Over 140 workers aged 80 and older who were interviewed described compensation frequently under $20 an hour, though most wages do hover above the federal minimum of $7.25, unchanged since 2009 despite inflationary costs rising more than 50 percent since then.
These interviews form part of Business Insider’s ongoing “80 over 80” project, which captures the voices and lived experiences of Americans who remain in the workforce past their eighth decade. Many recounted careers once rooted in professional or skilled trades that provided solid incomes, only to find themselves later navigating far less financially rewarding jobs—sometimes a result of layoffs, health issues, or the natural narrowing of opportunities with age. Some veterans redefined themselves in second careers, while a few managed to stay in their previous higher‑paying roles. Yet, for many, virtually any work—no matter the pay scale—proved preferable to unemployment at this stage in life.
Not all older workers are motivated purely by financial necessities. For some, especially those whose wages hover slightly above the minimum rate, the job represents a form of purpose, routine, and social engagement. Their earnings may mostly fund modest pleasures—occasional gifts, small luxuries, or discretionary spends—rather than being essential for survival. Nevertheless, the struggle to find equitable opportunities is compounded by systemic ageism. Leanne Clark‑Shirley, president of the American Society on Aging, emphasized that older applicants are often unfairly excluded from consideration for many professions outside retail or clerical fields. Although Americans are now living longer and in better health, their capabilities are frequently dismissed purely because of chronological age. She explained the absurdity of assuming that an individual competent at 64 suddenly loses effectiveness after turning 65, underscoring the need for workplaces to reframe how they perceive and value seasoned employees.
The stereotypical “senior greeter” at Walmart reflects a genuine reality: nearly 17,000 American workers aged 80 and above are employed in retail sales roles, while another 8,300 serve as cashiers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, retail workers earn on average $21.65 per hour—noticeably less than the $31.34 average for non‑managerial positions nationwide. While some find the work tolerable, others note the physical demands and insufficient wages render it far from sustainable long‑term.
Take John Fahy, aged 88, employed in customer service at a Home Depot in Washington. Rising at dawn to begin each shift, Fahy endures long hours on his feet. At $23 per hour, his pay is above state minimums yet still markedly lower than the compensation he once received as an engineer. Modest pensions from the US and UK, alongside an IRA, cannot fully cover his expenses, making this income necessary. When his wife fell ill several years ago, medical costs unsettled their finances. Her passing after nearly six decades of marriage deepened his resolve to remain active, both financially and emotionally. Though some physical strain arises from moving heavy products, Fahy describes his work as life‑sustaining: daily interaction with others gives him connection and purpose, and he hopes to continue working long enough to witness his granddaughter’s college graduation.
Other seniors, like Sharon Albrecht, age 84, navigate similarly demanding paths. A former hospital night‑shift employee who once earned over $100,000 in 2009, she later found herself struggling to bring in sufficient funds. To supplement her income beyond Social Security and limited investments, she turned to driving for Uber alongside part‑time caregiving work at a health agency. Her earnings, roughly $20 per hour before subtracting expenses like fuel and maintenance, require her to limit shifts to avoid intensifying her arthritis. Yet, despite hardship, she maintains a mindset of acceptance, believing her life continues to unfold as it should.
The available positions for elderly workers often involve physical exertion: more than 15,000 work as long‑haul drivers or traveling salespeople, another 11,500 serve as janitors or cleaners, while thousands remain engaged in agriculture, construction, or cooking—jobs undeniably challenging for octogenarians and nonagenarians. Aging expert Helen Dennis warns that such work can jeopardize long‑term health, yet for many, necessity leaves no alternative.
One such case is that of Kenn Hildebrand, age 89, who juggles three part‑time occupations to keep afloat. Once enjoying a lucrative sales career in which commissions offered generous compensation, he admits that reckless spending habits and a difficult divorce left his finances precarious. Today, his total monthly wages barely equal what he earned weekly in earlier decades, and inflation has further eroded his purchasing power. Living in rural Michigan, he drives auto parts, conducts government surveys, and sells life insurance, supplementing his Social Security. He credits modern aids—hearing devices, bifocals, and dentures—for enabling him to continue working. With candor, he acknowledges having known both wealth and scarcity, remarking that while prosperity certainly feels more comfortable, he is nevertheless grateful for the ability to work, even if the capacity for relentless 80‑hour weeks has long since passed.
For other workers, modest paychecks nonetheless contribute to a sense of dignity and independence. Patricia Wheatley, now 82, represents this perspective. A former Pennsylvania music teacher who dedicated years to raising children and caring for her mother, she now lends her organizational skills to her friend’s boat shop, answering phones, providing notary services, and maintaining the premises. Though far removed from her peak salary of $45,000 in 2014, her current wage of $16 per hour allows her to strike a balance, covering bills and affording her the joy of giving gifts to her 26 grandchildren and 11 great‑grandchildren. She notes that while outsiders may not view her as a traditional success story, she feels content, supported by Social Security, a retirement check, and supplemental work income. Peace of mind, rather than wealth, defines her later years.
Experts stress that initiatives aimed at strengthening the employability of aging workers must expand. Ignacio Salazar of SER Jobs for Progress highlights the vital role of training programs such as the federally funded Senior Community Service Employment Program, which has been subject to interruptions in funding. Such initiatives provide crucial opportunities for older adults to acquire technological literacy and modern skills, positioning them for roles even in higher‑paying fields like technology, where some can earn salaries reaching $80,000. Salazar underscores that for many seniors, employment is an identity, not just income: reliability, experience, and devotion to purpose make them invaluable in the labor force. Ensuring that society acknowledges this by offering fair compensation and dismantling systemic barriers is essential as America’s population continues to age.
In the end, whether one considers Vince Scidone flipping pizzas at a convenience store, John Fahy standing long hours in customer service, or Patricia Wheatley assisting customers in a boat shop, a consistent truth emerges: work provides not merely a paycheck, but an anchor—a source of social connection, pride, and stability—long after the traditional retirement age. For some, the pressing need is purely financial. For others, purpose and human interaction are at the core. Collectively, their stories illuminate the challenges and resilience of older Americans navigating a workforce that has yet to fully reckon with the realities of extended lifespans and shifting economic landscapes.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/older-workers-in-80s-pay-cuts-minimum-wage-jobs-2025-9
