Jim Uhrinyak, an 82-year-old Navy veteran residing in Arizona, is facing a challenging reality: he is uncertain if he will ever have enough money to retire comfortably. To make ends meet, Uhrinyak is preparing to take on a part-time role as a driver inspector at a traffic control company managed by his son. This new job could potentially place him in hazardous traffic conditions, which raises safety concerns. However, Uhrinyak is motivated by the pressing need to supplement his income to afford essential expenses such as groceries, medications, and shared household bills.

"I never saved for retirement," Uhrinyak lamented, revealing the struggles many seniors face. "It is miserable at an older age not to have funds to enjoy the last years of your life." His sentiments are echoed by others in their 80s, all of whom have shared their stories with Business Insider about the necessity of continuing to work well beyond the traditional retirement age. A significant number of these individuals indicated that their Social Security benefits are insufficient, while others cited unexpected health crises, job losses, or inflation as factors that have severely impacted their ability to save for retirement. This article is part of a broader series examining the growing trend of older workers in the U.S.

According to a recent analysis conducted by Gusto, a small-business payment and HR platform, the number of workers aged 80 and above has surged by approximately 25% since 2022. In contrast, the overall workforce has only seen a growth rate of 4%. While this demographic remains a tiny fraction of the workforceabout one in every 1,000 workersthis data highlights a significant shift in employment patterns among older Americans. The analysis was compiled from payroll records spanning over 400,000 small business customers.

"The economy and current prices are compelling many individuals to reconsider their retirement plans or even reenter the labor force altogether," stated Nich Tremper, a senior economist at Gusto. "These individuals are often seeking to earn a little extra to ensure their funds last throughout the month."

For many older Americans, the decision to return to work often stems from pressing financial needs, particularly amidst health issues. Uhrinyak himself stepped down from his position as a construction coordinator earlier this year due to health complications linked to the medication Ozempic. He views the opportunity to work alongside his son as a more manageable transition back into the job market.

With an anticipated weekly income of $800 from his new role, Uhrinyak hopes to supplement his monthly Social Security payment of $2,800, yet he grapples with monthly medication costs totaling around $350, including $120 for a blood thinner. His limited savings of about $6,000 further exacerbate his financial stress. "The worry of having funds just to survive is sometimes overwhelming," Uhrinyak admitted.

Many older Americans report that the jobs available to them often come with significant risks, including physical demands that can lead to injuries or worsen existing health issues. Research conducted by Monique Morrissey, a senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute, indicates that jobs held by older workers frequently fall into multiple high-risk categorieson average, around 2.6 out of six categories identified, which include high-pressure environments and physical tasks. Morrissey pointed out that while older workers might occupy slightly less dangerous jobs compared to younger workers, the risks they face are still considerable.

Diane Knaus, another individual in her 80s, experienced a setback when she broke her ankle last September, forcing her to pause her freelance writing career to focus on recovery. With limited income during her recovery, Knaus began exploring ways to generate additional income and is now preparing to start a desk job with a trucking company. "I'm on my Social Security, but that's not much," Knaus remarked, expressing the financial difficulties many seniors encounter. "I'm just taking life year by year."

The job market remains particularly challenging for older Americans. Numerous individuals aged 60 and above have expressed their frustrations over the difficulties of finding well-paying positions amid a contracting job market and a decline in white-collar job opportunities. This situation has led many to seek out blue-collar roles or part-time jobs, often with wages barely above minimum wage.

Pamela Levier, an 81-year-old who spent nearly a decade working in the service department of a car dealership, recently resigned from her full-time position. Although she has four pensions due to her and her late husband's contributions, the amounts are relatively modest, leaving her unable to retire. After the dealership changed ownership, she became concerned about potential negative impacts on her job security and has been searching for new opportunities in other dealerships with little success. Levier, who relies on her $2,100 monthly Social Security check, candidly shared, "I live paycheck to paycheck. No savings, no stocks, or bonds."

Despite her financial needs, Levier also values the social and mental benefits that work provides. "I dont want to be sitting around doing nothing," she emphasized. "I enjoy being out and about and learning things. It helps me stay young."

On the other hand, some older Americans are motivated to work not solely for financial reasons but also for personal fulfillment. Lawrence Dugan, an 80-year-old psychology consultant from Grand Rapids, Michigan, noted that while he has the means to live off his savings and retirement income, he still finds value in working. "Working is probably 30% to 35% financial to get extras in life," he shared. Dugan, who earns approximately $3,000 monthly and also sells paintings for additional income, and his wife, who works part-time as a home-care nurse, prioritize maintaining active careers. Their combined Social Security income is around $4,900, but their net worth is less than $250,000. Dugan reflected on his lifelong work ethic, stating, "I knew when I was 25 I wouldn't retire and would die with my boots on," emphasizing that continuing to work helps him feel youthful and engaged. "Unless you keep using your brain, you use it or lose it."