Trump Turns 80, Why are Americans still Working in Old Age?
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Even at 95, physician Arthur Rose still saw patients. At 93, lawyer Harriet Newman Cohen continued appearing in court and even founded a new law firm.
And now US President Donald Trump has turned 80. He is among the world’s oldest political leaders.
A retirement age of 65 was once considered the standard endpoint of working life. Today, nearly one-fifth of Americans aged 65 and above remain in the workforce.
The question is whether this is driven purely by financial necessity, or whether work itself provides meaning, energy, and even a source of longevity. Trump’s 80th birthday has once again brought discussions about age, ability, and active ageing into focus.
After more than 65 years of medical practice, Arthur Rose entered his office for the final time in February. He chose to retire at 95 as a special personal milestone, partly inspired by his brother, who died at 95 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rose said, “The work no longer gave me the same joy. I wasn’t feeling that same excitement anymore.”
In the United States, the typical retirement age is 67. Rose is part of a growing population that continues working well beyond it.
At the highest level of public life is President Donald Trump, who turned 80 on Sunday. He is currently the second-oldest US president in history. Only Joe Biden was older, leaving the White House at 82. According to Pew Research, Trump is among the oldest world leaders globally.
Experts say continuing work at such an advanced age is far from easy.
Data from the Pew Research Center shows that since the mid-1980s, the share of workers aged 65 and above has quadrupled. About 19% of this age group is still employed.
They serve as lawmakers, presidents, corporate executives, and in other high-responsibility roles. This year alone, the US Congress included 24 members over the age of 80. The oldest among them is 92-year-old Senator Chuck Grassley.
Gerontology experts say several factors are driving people to work longer. First, improvements in healthcare mean more people are living healthily into their 80s and beyond.
For many, financial necessity is also a major factor. Rising living costs are pushing retirees back into work. A survey by job platform Indeed Flex found that nearly 30% of retirees are considering part-time or temporary work. More than 60% cited rising living costs as the main reason, while about half said they value maintaining social connections.
Changing views on ageing
According to Gordon Lithgow of the Buck Institute for Research on Ageing, perceptions of age are also changing.
He said, “I hope people are starting to think that competence matters more than age. There is no doubt that people can work effectively into their seventies and even eighties.”
At 93, divorce lawyer Harriet Newman Cohen still works in court and recently published a memoir.
Cohen said, “Work keeps me young, energetic, knowledgeable and joyful. I cannot imagine living any other way.”
She has represented high-profile clients, including former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, in divorce cases.
Health challenges
While experience increases with age, concerns remain about memory decline, reduced mental capacity, and physical weakening.
Age-related concerns were a key factor in President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 election race after a poor debate performance raised questions about his cognitive ability among Democratic leaders.
Trump’s approaching 80th birthday has also raised health concerns among lawmakers and the public.
In a recent congressional hearing, Democratic member Ted Lieu presented videos claiming Trump appeared drowsy during meetings.
However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed the claims as ridiculous, saying, “I have never seen Trump fall asleep in public. The problem is, he doesn’t sleep.”
Trump’s physician has said that recurring bruises on his hand are due to frequent handshakes and minor tissue irritation caused by aspirin use for heart health.
After a recent medical examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, physician Captain Sean Barbabella said the president is in excellent health.
He added that Trump’s demanding schedule, including high-level meetings and public engagements, supports his overall well-being.
What is the secret to longevity?
Lithgow says adequate rest is essential for older professionals. Chronic stress affects cellular function and accelerates ageing.
He said, “This is real biological stress that speeds up ageing. Prolonged daily stress can have severe effects on the body.”
He added that proper sleep supports the body’s repair and recovery processes.
Cohen says one key to longevity is sleeping more than eight hours a day, along with reading regularly and staying socially engaged.
She founded a new law firm with her daughter at age 88, saying that work gives life meaning and purpose.
A similar sentiment was expressed by Dr Rose, whose long-term relationships with patients motivated him to continue working.
He joked, “Many of my patients started seeing me as teenagers and were still coming 50 years later. That makes me think I must have been a terrible doctor.”
He added, “I felt that patients and society needed me as a physician. Maybe I believed no one could manage without me.”
Lithgow also notes that lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and rest play a key role in healthy ageing. However, he emphasises that financial stability and access to quality healthcare are even more important, while genetics play a relatively smaller role.
He said, “If you can afford the best healthcare, you are already far ahead of most people.”
At 95, Arthur Rose remains in good health but says he has no clear explanation for his longevity.
“I honestly don’t know what I did,” he said. “I don’t smoke. I occasionally have a little schnapps.”
Rose said many of his patients never knew his true age, or did not consider it important. Some were surprised to learn their doctor was 95.
Laughing, he added, “Because I don’t really feel old. My appearance hasn’t changed much.”
Source: BBC