The idea of retirement in your 60s isn’t for everyone. Some people choose to keep working into their 70s and beyond. But what sets these individuals apart?

It seems that those who continue to work even after hitting the traditional retirement age display a unique set of traits. These traits not only enable them to keep going but also contribute to their overall satisfaction in life.

In this article, we’re going to explore these eight distinctive traits often found in people who keep working past their 70s. You might even recognize a few in yourself or someone you know.

1) Lifelong learners

One common trait among those who continue to work well into their 70s and beyond is an undying thirst for knowledge. They are lifelong learners.

These individuals understand that learning doesn’t stop when you leave school or even when you retire from your first career. They continue to stay curious, open-minded, and always ready to learn something new.

This trait not only keeps their minds sharp, but it also enables them to adapt to changing times and trends in their industries. Their willingness to learn and grow presents them with opportunities that others might miss.

In a world that’s constantly evolving, staying curious and open to learning is a trait that can keep you motivated and relevant in your professional life, no matter your age. So, if you’re planning on working into your 70s and beyond, cultivating a love for learning could be a game-changer.

Remember, age is just a number – it doesn’t define your ability to learn, grow, or contribute.

2) Resilience

Another distinctive trait of people who work beyond their 70s is resilience. This quality is something I’ve personally seen in my own grandfather who worked well into his 80s.

My grandfather was a small business owner. He faced numerous challenges over the years, from financial ups and downs to changes in the market. But no matter what came his way, he always bounced back. And he did it with optimism and determination.

He used to say, “There’s always a solution if you’re willing to look for it.” His resilience was not just about surviving, it was about thriving in spite of obstacles.

This kind of resilience, the ability to keep going despite setbacks, is not just impressive—it’s inspirational. It’s a trait that often sets those who work into their later years apart. They don’t let failures or obstacles stop them; instead, they learn from these experiences and keep moving forward.

3) Active lifestyle

People who work into their 70s and beyond often lead an active lifestyle. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re running marathons or doing extreme sports, though some might be. It’s more about maintaining a consistent level of physical activity.

Research shows that regular exercise can help maintain cognitive function as we age. It also promotes overall health, which can make it easier to keep working.

Beyond the physical benefits, an active lifestyle also contributes to mental well-being. Regular exercise can reduce stress and improve mood, making it easier to cope with the demands of work.

So, it seems that those who choose to keep working past traditional retirement age are not only engaged in their work but also take the time to stay physically active. This balance contributes to their ability to keep going and enjoy what they do.

4) Strong social connections

People who continue working into their 70s and beyond usually maintain strong social connections. This could be through their work, community involvement, or even their personal lives.

Social connections are crucial for our mental and emotional well-being. They provide a sense of belonging and purpose, which are essential for overall happiness. These connections also offer an avenue for emotional support and shared experiences.

When people retire, they often lose a significant part of their social network. But those who keep working have ongoing opportunities to build and maintain these connections. This social aspect of work can contribute greatly to their quality of life and desire to continue working.

5) Sense of purpose

Perhaps one of the most heartfelt traits of people working into their 70s and beyond is their strong sense of purpose. Work for them is not just a means to an end, but an integral part of their identity and life story.

This sense of purpose goes beyond the paycheck. It’s about making a difference, contributing to society, or simply doing something they love. For these individuals, work is a way to stay engaged and feel valued.

This profound connection to their work provides them with motivation, satisfaction, and a reason to get up every morning. It’s this sense of purpose that makes them look forward to each day, no matter how many candles are on their birthday cake.

6) Adaptability

I’ve always admired my Aunt Jane for her adaptability. She’s well into her 80s now and still runs her own accounting firm. When digital technology started transforming the industry, she didn’t resist it or feel threatened. Instead, she embraced it and saw it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Growing up, I often heard her say, “Change is the only constant.” This philosophy has been key to her prolonged career. She understands that to stay relevant and efficient in her work, she needs to evolve along with the changing times.

Adaptability, like my Aunt Jane’s, is a common trait among those who work into their 70s and beyond. It allows them to navigate through changes and challenges, ensuring they stay relevant in their field. This ability to adapt and evolve is a significant factor in their career longevity.

7) Healthy work-life balance

People who work into their 70s and beyond often have a healthy work-life balance. They recognize the importance of taking time for themselves, their hobbies, and their loved ones.

They understand that while work is a significant part of their lives, it’s not everything. They make sure to carve out time for rest, relaxation, and recreation. This balance is crucial in preventing burnout and maintaining overall well-being.

Maintaining this balance can be a challenge at any age, but it’s especially important for those working beyond traditional retirement years. A healthy work-life balance can contribute to sustained productivity, happiness, and health.

8) Passion

Perhaps the most important trait of those who work into their 70s and beyond is passion. They genuinely love what they do. Their work is not just a job for them, but a calling.

This passion fuels their drive, keeps them motivated, and makes their work feel less like a chore and more like a joy.

When you are passionate about your work, age becomes just a number. It’s the love for what you do that keeps you going. So if you’re passionate about your work, who’s to say when you should stop?

Final thought: It’s more than just a job

The idea of working into your 70s and beyond might seem daunting to some, but for those who do, it’s often about more than just a job or a means to an end.

These individuals have a profound sense of purpose, a passion for what they do, and a continuous desire to learn and grow. They maintain an active lifestyle, strong social connections, and a healthy work-life balance. They are resilient, adaptable, and above all, passionate about their work.

But perhaps the most powerful insight is that these traits are not exclusive to those working into their 70s and beyond. They are qualities we can all aspire to cultivate in our own lives, regardless of our age or career stage.

So whether you’re in your 30s thinking about your future career path, or in your 60s contemplating retirement, consider this: What if the secret to longevity and fulfillment lies not in the act of retiring, but in finding work you love so much you’d never want to retire?

Because when you love what you do, age becomes immaterial. It’s the passion for your craft that keeps you going. So find that spark, keep it alive, and who knows? You might just become one of those inspiring individuals who joyfully works into their 70s and beyond.