Question 

My 80-year-old mother is still working a part time job as a librarian. I do not think that she absolutely needs the money. Sure, the money is nice, and it allows her to splurge a little bit more than she otherwise would. But really, she does not need to work. Dad is not getting any younger and might benefit from her being home more. 

Mom has arthritis and does not move as fast as she used to. Books are heavy and I see her lugging them around in the library all day long. She is not just sitting behind the front desk. 

Mom has been working in this library in our hometown most of her adult life. She seems to enjoy the work, but I do see how tired she is at night and worry that it just might be too much. 

At 60, I am thinking about retiring soon and I wish my mother would also. Should I put a little pressure on her to retire? 

Answer 

Without any hesitation I say that you should let your mother live her life as she sees fit, when it comes to working. 

At 60 you are of an age where retirement is a frequent topic of conversation among co-workers, friends, and associates. Everyone in your age group is wondering what the best strategy is, do they have enough saved, and how Medicare and Social Security work. Your cohort is trying to figure it out. 

Your mother, on the other hand, has made a decision that is best for her and that is to work part-time. There are so many things that are good about part time work that I wonder why more people do not do it in retirement. It gets your mother out of the house, it gives her socialization, it provides purpose in her life, it provides a little extra income, and it forces her mind to manage new situations and technology. It sounds like an anti-aging recipe. 

Some individuals thrive on being busy and do quite well doing purposeful work well into their retirement years. Many individuals pick up a new career, begin volunteer work, or take care of their grandchildren. These are all society enriching jobs, whether they are paid or not, and they are wonderful ways to spend “retirement” years. Purpose is the key here, and she appears to have found it. 

You will soon be faced with making the decision about how to spend the rest of your days after you retire. I hope you are as successful as your mother in finding a purpose in your later years that provides you with contentment.