Apple CEO Tim Cook reveals he has no plans to retire in the traditional sense, stating that he will always want to work.

Despite being close to retirement age, Tim Cook is unlikely to retire from his position as Apple CEO once he becomes eligible for full Social Security benefits.

The 64-year-old, who has been working since he was 12 years old to save money for college, plans to continue working for as long as he can, as he stated on the "Table Manners" podcast episode that aired on Wednesday.

Cook stated that his eventual retirement would not conform to the conventional understanding of the phrase. He explained, "I don't envision being at home without any intellectual stimulation or contemplation about how to improve tomorrow compared to today." He added, "I believe I'll always be driven in that manner and desire to work."

Apple's CEO likely doesn't need to work forever, as he earned a total compensation of $74.6 million last year, including a $3 million base salary and millions more in stock awards, according to recent regulatory filings. Forbes estimates his net worth at $2.2 billion.

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Cook, who has been working for more than five decades, grew up in a small, rural town in Alabama with "extremely modest means." His parents expected him and his two brothers to start working as soon as they were able.

He stated that his upbringing emphasized work and the belief that hard work is crucial for everyone, regardless of age.

As a child, Cook worked part-time at a local pharmacy alongside his mother. At age 14, he began working at Tastee-Freez, flipping burgers and earning about $1.10 an hour. He wore a little hat that his friends would often mock.

At the time, he believed it crucial to earn enough money to be the first in his family to attend college. However, he now believes that his early jobs helped establish a strong work ethic that he inherited from his parents.

"Cook stated on the podcast that the appreciation for hard work that was instilled in them has remained with them throughout their life. They emphasized the value of this mindset and the notion that work can contribute to one's sense of purpose."

Staying busy as you age can have numerous health benefits, such as delaying retirement or staying engaged with hobbies and interests. By regularly challenging your brain through learning new things and working on passion projects, you can maintain your mental health and memory while preventing cognitive decline, according to research.

Cook stated that he is likely to remain at Apple for several more years, although he does not intend to be CEO for the rest of his life. However, his passion for doing meaningful work will prevent him from retiring in the conventional sense, he added.

"Cook stated, "I want to be challenged a little, to feel discomfort, but not as much as I do now. However, I believe I will always desire to be pushed.""

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