Leo, a 79-year-old, continues to run the nut store she opened 51 years ago with her husband. Amadeo, at 96, stands as the oldest active hotelier in Spain. After a lifetime of labor, he describes his work as a joyous game that nurtures his spirit.
These captivating stories have gone viral on the social media profile of @comilonestv, showcasing individuals who have dedicated their lives to their professions yet continue to work beyond retirement age. The accompanying comments reveal a mix of admiration and astonishment, highlighting a growing reality in Spain—many users sharing similar stories from their own communities.
The concept of retirement is often painted as a coveted milestone, heralding a phase of newfound freedom and leisure. However, for many, this transition does not entail a complete severance from the professional world. Some people prefer to maintain a connection with their work, while others even choose to extend their careers past retirement age.
The Economic Weight
Shifting from a salary to a pension often necessitates significant economic adjustments within households. Financial stability emerges as a primary motivator for those opting to continue working when retirement beckons.
This trend has notably surged in the past decade in the U.S., where studies indicate that over 22% of adults over 65 remained employed in various capacities as of 2024. Correspondingly, in Spain, the 2025 Active Population Survey (EPA) reported a record-high employment rate of 14% among those over 65, doubling from 5% in the previous decade. The economic factor frequently recurs as a significant reason behind this trend.
A Multifaceted Decision
For Antonio, a 67-year-old doctor who continues to practice privately, financial necessity plays a crucial role. Many individuals approaching retirement find themselves supporting children who are still financially dependent—a stark contrast to previous generations when children were often already established.
For Gema Pérez Rojo, a psychologist, defining this phenomenon as solely financial oversimplifies the issue. Numerous layers contribute to the decision to work later into life. Reasons can encompass financial stability, active engagement, social identity, and vocational passion.
Rosa María Álvarez Barral, a Venezuelan psychologist, notes that no specific profile exists for those choosing to continue working. Challenges can arise from the pressures of social recognition and the intricate relationship between one’s profession and their identity.
Identity and Role
Pérez Rojo highlights that retirement often acts as a profound identity shift. The merging of one’s self-concept with their professional role complicates the transition, leading some to perceive retirement as a loss of personal significance. Nacho Valbuena, a journalist, describes his strong connection to journalism, reinforcing the idea that age should not dictate one’s passion: “I don’t think about age; I will continue with this profession until I’m 90.”
Interestingly, people with high-stress or monotonous roles may welcome retirement as a liberating escape, while those in prestigious, fulfilling positions might experience it as detrimental to their sense of self.
From Work to Hobby
For those like Epifanía Martín, or Epi, retirement does not signify an end. After four years away from full-time work, she has transformed her clothing trade into a creative hobby. Epi enjoys teaching sewing classes, engaging with her community while fostering her passion on her own terms.
Staying involved in a profession often provides an opportunity for intrinsic motivation, allowing retirees to enjoy cognitive stimulation and maintain dexterity without the pressures of mandatory performance. This provides a fulfilling pathway for those not ready to part ways entirely with their former identities.
Ultimately, the journey into retirement is complex and personal. It might mean abandoning rigid work schedules entirely, or it could involve recalibrating one’s professional identity, resulting in newfound satisfaction through flexible engagement.
Beyond financial considerations, retirement compels individuals to redefine not only what they do with their time but also how they view their identities after decades of service.