Continuing My Medical Journey at 83: Staying Engaged Beyond Retirement

Dedication to assisting others lies at the heart of nursing. When equipped with knowledge, it’s imperative to pass it on, supporting anyone who might be struggling.

My career began as an administrative assistant at the University of Rochester's hospital. Dreams of nursing led me to community college, where I eventually became a registered nurse. I vividly recall the excitement when I realized this dream was within reach.

I was a full-time worker and mother to three young children, aged 2, 4, and 6, when I earned my nursing license. I worked with pediatric patients at the University of Rochester and later earned certification as a school nurse. After some time, I returned to hospital work.

In my career, I rose to the position of assistant director of nursing at a local hospital and gained experience working in an emergency room in Virginia. I then took charge of a surgical-medical unit before retiring in 1990. Even after retiring, my commitment to work continued.

After a long tenure in nursing, I transitioned to a different field, attending truck driving school with my husband. We purchased a truck and for over two decades transported government materials across the United States, alternating driving shifts.

Following our time on the road, I returned to my passion for nursing, particularly in hospice care—a journey prepared by my diverse experiences. While direct patient care wasn't feasible as I aged, I continued contributing through administrative tasks at a health agency, eventually advancing to a patient advocacy role for a healthcare provider, which allows me to work from home.

Financial Sensibility in Later Years

Our financial stability rests on Social Security and my modest hospital pension. Additional income grants us small pleasures like dining out, particularly since my sister moved nearby, allowing weekly dinners together without financial concern.

Family First: A Lifetime of Support

We have raised five children, including foster and adoptive ones. Helping our family was a priority, sometimes at the expense of our financial comfort, but we assisted them whenever reasonable demands arose, finding satisfaction in the ability to provide.

Age is Not a Barrier

Despite my age, assumptions about declining mental acuity bother me. I walk with a cane but retain independence, aware of my physical limitations yet determined not to rely on others unnecessarily.

Daily Realities of Aging

My husband manages his own care despite some physical restrictions post-retirement. Four of our children help with chores, sustaining our household and allowing us to maintain an active lifestyle.

Embracing Life's Journey

Retirement, a milestone eagerly anticipated, should not lead to idleness. Having spent over two decades living on the road, I'm uninterested in constant travel, having already experienced a lifestyle fitting our needs.

Approaching 64 years of marriage, we cherish a strong relationship. My husband recently left his role as a school bus aide due to health, yet his support for my continued work remains strong.

Remaining active is essential—both for my well-being and to avoid spending days merely observing life pass by.