Charles Esther
Sally Ann McCarter, an 85-year-old woman from Pennsylvania, still works part-time at a fulfillment company.
She starts her day before sunrise and opens the office doors by 6 a.m., even though the company doesn’t officially open until 8:30 a.m.
Sally originally retired at the age of 73, but with little in savings and a strong desire to stay active, she returned to work within months.
She had spent 43 years working in the sales department of a steel company after starting out as a secretary at a teachers’ college.
Despite her long career, she didn’t set aside retirement savings, largely due to purchasing land and building her home.
She admits she never thought much about retirement during her working years.
Even after claiming Social Security at age 65, the income wasn’t enough to cover all her expenses.
Returning to Work and Staying Busy
Retirement didn’t turn out to be what Sally had imagined.
She had hoped to travel, but after losing her husband, she found no joy in traveling alone.
She soon realized she missed the structure, purpose, and connection that work brought.
Within a couple of months of retiring, she decided to “unretire” and got hired quickly, even at her age.
Now, she earns $2,547 monthly, which includes around $1,000 from her former employer’s retirement plan.
While she could survive financially without working, she would have to be extremely frugal.
A Vital Role at the Fulfillment Company
For the past 12 years, Sally has worked at the front desk of her current company.
She’s the first person to arrive each morning, unlocking the office and greeting clients.
She chooses not to charge the company for her early start time because it’s something she enjoys.
Her shift runs until 12:30 p.m., and she helps wherever she’s needed, including assisting the accounting department when someone is out sick.
Sally values staying mentally sharp and physically active through her job.
Facing Loneliness with Strength and Connection
Since her husband’s death, Sally has lived alone, and some days feel long despite her job and responsibilities.
She’s lost her two brothers and a sister-in-law, and her other family members live far away in the Carolinas.
However, she maintains social ties through friends, including a couple from work with whom she shares Friday night dinners.
She also cherishes the company of a kind neighbour who helps with tasks like filing her taxes.
Health and Home Responsibilities at 85
Sally enjoys remarkably good health.
She takes no medications and has only been hospitalized once — for appendicitis.
She visits her doctor quarterly, and he praises her wellness, encouraging her to keep doing whatever she’s doing.
Her home, a log-style ranch on four acres, was a dream she shared with her late husband.
Though he only got to enjoy it for six years before passing, Sally continues to care for it.
She faces regular maintenance expenses, such as removing trees and dealing with dust.
Words of Wisdom for Future Retirees
Sally advises younger people to save a little from each paycheck to avoid hardship in later years.
Though she manages financially, she understands not everyone is as fortunate.
She emphasizes the importance of pre-planning but also reminds others to enjoy life while they can.
Sally intends to keep working as long as she’s able.
She takes each day as it comes and doesn’t dwell too much on the future.
After all, no one knows how much time they have.
And for Sally Ann McCarter, staying active and connected is the key to a fulfilling life in her 80s.
