In February, Arthur Rose, an internist from Michigan, stepped into his office for the last time after practicing medicine for over 65 years. His retirement at age 95 was a birthday gift to himself, partly inspired by his brother who died at 95 during the Covid pandemic. "The job was really not pleasing me anymore," he said.
Rose is part of a growing trend in the US: the percentage of Americans aged 65 and older in the workforce has quadrupled since the mid-1980s, according to Pew Research Center. About 19% of this age group now holds a job, ranging from high-powered positions like lawmakers and CEOs to part-time work.
President Donald Trump, turning 80 on Sunday, is the second oldest US leader after Joe Biden (82). He is also among the oldest world leaders. In Congress, 24 members are over 80, including Senator Chuck Grassley at 92. Experts cite improved healthcare, rising living costs, and desire for social interaction as reasons for working longer.
Harriet Newman Cohen, a 93-year-old matrimonial lawyer, still goes to court and recently wrote a memoir. "Working has kept me young, vigorous, energetic," she said. Her grandmother died in her 80s while fixing plumbing. Cohen sleeps over eight hours a night and credits her longevity to work and purpose.
However, aging can bring cognitive decline and stamina loss. Biden dropped his 2024 re-election bid after a poor debate performance raised concerns about his age. Now, some lawmakers question Trump's health. Democrat Ted Lieu showed videos of Trump allegedly dozing in meetings, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it "absurd."
Trump's physician declared him in "excellent health" after a recent exam. Gerontologist Gordon Lithgow notes that sleep, diet, and exercise help slow aging, but the strongest protectors are income and access to resources like healthcare. "If you start with ability to access the best healthcare, you're already at an advantage," he said.
Rose remains healthy at 95, though unsure why. "I don't smoke. I have a schnapps every now and then," he said. His patients mostly didn't know his age; some were shocked to learn their doctor was 95. "The reason is I haven't aged," he joked.
Source: www.bbc.com