Rage, rage against the dying of the light: Meet the 80-year-olds saying no to retirement
At 84, Michael Benns works six days a week as a real estate agent, 90-year-old Rei Te Teira-Ngatai is an admin support worker, and Larry Webb, 85, has no plans to give up being a driving instructor.
All three say working keeps them young, and the word ‘‘retirement’’ is not in their vocabulary.
They are three of just 5800 New Zealanders over the age of 80 still working, with 1600 of those working full-time, according to 2020 Stats NZ figures.
Nothing seems to slow them down: Benns, a former air force fighter pilot, came out of retirement at 55 to be a full-time real estate agent in Auckland, after managing several investment companies.
Te Teira-Ngatai, from Wellington, finds having a job is fulfilling and sociable, while Webb, in Whanga¯ rei, keeps working because he wants young people to be safe.
A Neighbourly survey found people over the age of 70 worked as consultants, caregivers and chaplains at retirement villages, financial controllers, lawyers, teachers, in retail, architecture, run their own business, have management positions in large firms, and some drive buses and trucks.
Age Concern, an organisation dedicated to people aged over 65, said many worked past superannuation age because they want to fulfil a purpose, although some needed to work for the money.
Benns works six days a week, and has sold hundreds of properties. ‘‘Everyone thinks real estate is an easy way to make money, but it isn’t, it’s quite hard. The idea is to take the stress of selling away from the client, and I take that on – it’s quite stressful.’’
Working during the lockdown last year was challenging, only because he missed the face-to-face interaction he had with clients.
But like everything else he’s experienced in his life, including a bad hip that he hopes to get fixed, Benns said you just have to get on with it.
‘‘I’ve always been fussy about getting regular medical checks. When I’m not working I like to do as little as possible, but I still work, I can’t help it, I’m always thinking real estate.
‘‘I’ve lived a very thorough life, I’ve done everything I’ve possibly wanted to do – I flew a Concorde once. The only thing I’d want to do now is fly a supersonic aircraft, but I don’t think that will happen.’’
Te Teira-Ngatai said working beyond retirement age stopped older people from becoming hermits.
The nonagenarian is a part-time administration support worker for Age Concern New Zealand in Wellington, sending resources to branches around the country.
‘‘I feel that through me, we’re doing something for older people – we’re keeping them informed about what’s available,’’ she said. ‘‘I don’t consider myself old, I suppose it’s a matter of attitude.’’
Te Teira-Ngatai has been with Age Concern NZ for about 18 years, originally volunteering, although she prefers the term ‘‘gifting hours’’.
When a job in finance became available, she decided to apply her bookkeeping experience to the role, and said getting paid made things ‘‘very comfortable’’. ‘‘I’ve just grown from there, and I’m still here.’’
Driving instructor Webb said older people had a wealth of knowledge and experience they could share. He previously operated a driving school, but now gives private lessons, motivated by some grisly crash scenes he witnessed when working as a firefighter.
‘‘I feel that I can help youth... this silly old fart has had a lot of experience, and I’d like to hand that experience on before I die.’’
Webb said he would encourage other older people to work to their fullest, as much as they are able to. When he’s not behind the wheel, he loves to keep fit at his Kamo home and walks regularly to the shops. He’s also a country music singer.
Age Concern chief executive Stephanie Clare said many people over the age of 70 chose to work or volunteer as it can make them feel valued as a member of their community.