Centenarians reveal that continuing to work beyond retirement age is what keeps them motivated: 'I'll keep working as long as I can'

Many 100-year-olds worldwide claim that continuing to do what they love and not retiring is what keeps them feeling youthful and fulfilled.

The book "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life" highlights the principle of ikigai as a key to longevity and well-being. Ikigai refers to the joy of being perpetually occupied.

Many centenarians in blue zones do not retire and stay active as part of their ikigai.

Several centenarians we spoke to in the past year and a half believe that finding meaningful work and not retiring were crucial factors in their long and happy lives.

Virginia Oliver, 104

This year, Virginia Oliver, who is 104 years old, has signed up for lobster-catching season, as she has been catching lobsters since she was eight years old and enjoys it immensely.

Oliver's secret to living beyond 100 is to keep living and working, as she stated in a mini-documentary about her life.

Oliver stated that he has no plans to retire from lobstering and will continue until his death when asked about his future plans by TODAY.com.

Deborah Szekely, 102

Deborah Szekely, now 102 years old, founded her fitness resort and spa with her husband in 1940. She continues to work at her business three times a week, over 80 years later.

She informed CNBC Make It in May that she meets with the presenters every Tuesday to ensure she is familiar with the topics her guests discuss.

"I speak on Wednesday and meet individuals I want to know or friends on Thursday. Therefore, I work three days a week, which are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday."

Szekely stated that her weekly visits to the spa bring about a change.

Deborah will keep going until nature says, 'You got to stop Deborah.'

Madeline Paldo, 100

Paldo, a 100-year-old retiree, spoke to Make It in September 2023 about her work experience spanning from age 18 to 99.

I don't like retirement too much," she said, "working kept me busy, and I enjoyed it.

Paldo worked in the office of her family's business in Chicago, which produced electric signs, and had the opportunity to interact with customers on a daily basis.

""I enjoyed being around people and working alone in the office," she said to CNBC Make It."

Jayne Burns, 101

Despite being 101 years old, Jayne Burns continued to work four days a week as a part-time fabric cutter at a crafts store in 2023.

"Burns stated that he enjoys his work and wants to continue doing it, adding that he will work for as long as he is able or as long as he is desired."

She attempted to retire multiple times throughout the years but would always "unretire" within a few months, she stated. Engaging in work that she enjoyed provided her with a daily routine, which she cherished, and enabled her to meet new individuals.

""Keeping busy helps alleviate pain," she remarked."

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