I'm 81 and still working. It's not for the paycheck — it's part of my secret to aging well.

Tech Insider : Economy, Business, Sports
Mike Plummer
81-year-old Mike Plummer left corporate at 55 and has been working at a retail store for almost 15 years.

Jesse Brantman for BI

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.

Tech Insider : Economy, Business, Travel
Richard Smith
Richard Smith work camps for half of the year in New Hampshire.

Richard Smith

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Richard Smith, 81, who works part-time for the campground where he lives for half of the year and part-time driving for DoorDash. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

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.

Tech Insider : Economy, Business
Patricia Wheatley
Patricia Wheatley works for her friend's boat store, earning $16 an hour.

Nate Smallwood for BI

Starting a business in your 80s isn't easy — but it may be the only way to earn a living

Tech Insider : Economy, Business, Style
Ina Harris, 82
Ina Harris, 82, opened a direct care business last year and has slowly been securing clients.

Corrie Aune for BI

Ina Harris, 82, believes that starting a business is the only way she can earn enough to pay her bills.

From 6 figures to minimum wage: America's oldest workers are taking pay cuts

Tech Insider : Economy, Business, Technology
Patricia Wheatley
Patricia Wheatley, 82, works full-time answering the phone and doing administrative work at her friend's boat store.

Nate Smallwood for BI

When Vince Scidone showed up for work on his 90th birthday, the top brass was waiting for him.

I'm 90 and work at a convenience store. I make $14.90 an hour and money is tight, but I hope to retire.

Tech Insider : Economy, Business
Vince
Vince Scidone, 90, works at a convenience store chain in Oklahoma.

Katrina Ward for BI

How workers in their 80s and 90s are embracing AI: 'I want to finish strong'

Tech Insider : Economy, Business, Technology
Luis Bautista
Luis Bautista, 82, is actively studying AI.

Cassidy Araiza for Business Insider

Luis Bautista, 82, is "learning to speak to AI."

I attended an AI class for older Americans. The students couldn't have been more excited.

Tech Insider : Economy, Business, Style
Seniors take an AI class.
Nearly two dozen people 60 and older attended an introductory AI class in August.

Clark Hodgin for BI

They're in their 80s, still working, and living paycheck to paycheck

Tech Insider : Economy, Business
Sandy McConnell and June Boyd
Sandy McConnell (left) and June Boyd (right) both work out of financial necessity.

Bridget Bennett and Brittany Greeson for BI

After a tedious week of squinting at spreadsheets, Sandy McConnell, 80, makes her way to a restaurant in Nevada for a monthly lunch with former colleagues.

I'm 85 and looking for work but no one will hire me. I just need to pay the bills — I'm an old girl, but I'm not a dead girl.

Tech Insider : Economy, Business
Pat Fagin Scott in her couch at home
Pat Fagin Scott, 85, has navigated unemployment after decades of well-paying jobs.

Alyssa Schukar for BI

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