Can You Get a Job at 75?: Leveraging Experience in Today's Workforce

Oct 18, 2025 4 min read •

senior care Healthy Aging Employment

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the labor force for people aged 75 and older is projected to grow by nearly 100% over the decade ending in 2030. In an evolving workforce, the question 'Can you get a job at 75?' is being answered with a resounding 'yes.' This guide will show you how to leverage your decades of experience for a rewarding second career.

Quick Summary

It is absolutely possible to secure a job at 75, as employers increasingly recognize the value of mature workers' reliability, expertise, and strong work ethic. Adapt your resume and leverage networking to stand out in the modern job market.

Key Points

Age is an asset: Frame your decades of experience and wisdom as a major advantage, not a liability, to potential employers.
Embrace modern skills: Stay current by highlighting recent technical skills and training to counter outdated stereotypes.
Tailor your resume: Focus on the most relevant 10-15 years of your career and use a professional summary to showcase your skills for the specific job.
Network actively: Tap into your personal network of friends, family, and former colleagues, as many job opportunities are filled through referrals.
Consider flexible options: Look for part-time, remote, or consulting roles that allow for a better work-life balance in your later years.
Utilize specialized resources: Take advantage of government programs like SCSEP or job boards specifically for older workers, like the AARP Job Board.

The Expanding Landscape of Senior Employment

Today's workforce is undergoing a significant transformation, with more older adults choosing to remain employed, whether for financial reasons, a sense of purpose, or simply to stay active and engaged. AARP data consistently shows that a large percentage of older workers have either experienced or witnessed age discrimination, but this hasn't deterred the growing number of mature professionals returning to or remaining in the job market. Forward-thinking companies are recognizing that older employees bring a wealth of institutional knowledge, loyalty, and proven skills that can benefit any organization. The conversation is shifting from if seniors can work to what skills and experience they bring to the table.

Why are more people working past 75?

There are several key drivers behind the rise in mature employment:

Financial Security: Rising costs of living and inadequate retirement savings for some make supplemental income a necessity.
Health and Longevity: People are living longer, healthier lives and feel more capable of working later in life.
Sense of Purpose: Many find a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment in their work, which retirement may diminish.
Social Engagement: Staying employed combats loneliness and provides daily social interaction with colleagues and customers.
Mental Stimulation: Engaging in mentally challenging tasks can help maintain cognitive function and keep the mind sharp.

Tackling Common Roadblocks Head-On

While the path to employment at 75 is more accessible than ever, some hurdles remain. Ageism, a persistent challenge, can create bias in hiring. However, there are effective ways to navigate these obstacles and position yourself as a highly desirable candidate.

Strategic resume and interview techniques

Focus on the Recent Past: You do not need to include every job you have ever held. Limit your work history to the last 10–15 years of relevant experience. Create a strong professional summary at the top that highlights your key skills and achievements.
Showcase Technology Skills: Actively demonstrate your familiarity with modern technology, software, and communication tools. List recent training or certifications to show you are adaptable and eager to learn.
Leverage Transferable Skills: Focus on soft skills that are always in demand, such as problem-solving, leadership, client management, and communication. Your long career has built these skills, so highlight them prominently.
Address Career Gaps Strategically: If you have taken a career break, frame it positively in a cover letter. Explain how you remained active through volunteering, travel, or other projects. Avoid language that implies you are 'just returning' or 'ending retirement'.

In-Demand Jobs with Flexibility for Seniors

Many job opportunities are well-suited for mature workers and offer flexible arrangements, whether part-time, remote, or contract-based. Here are a few examples across different fields:

Professional Services: Consulting offers a fantastic way to apply a lifetime of experience. Many businesses seek experienced consultants for short-term projects. Bookkeeping and tax preparation are also in high demand, particularly on a seasonal basis.
Customer-Facing Roles: Greeters and retail associates are excellent part-time options that involve social interaction. Many large retail chains actively seek out reliable and friendly senior staff for their stores.
Tutoring and Mentoring: Individuals with expertise in a particular subject can tutor students of all ages. This can be done online or in person, offering high flexibility and a sense of purpose.
Virtual and Remote Positions: The rise of remote work has opened up numerous opportunities. Roles like virtual assistant, content writer, or data entry clerk can be performed from home.
Service-Oriented Gigs: Pet sitting, dog walking, or driving for rideshare/delivery services provide flexible hours and allow you to stay active.

Comparison of Job Search Resources for Mature Workers


Feature	AARP Job Board	Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)	General Job Boards (Indeed, LinkedIn)
Target Audience	Workers 50+ looking for a wide range of jobs.	Low-income individuals 55+ needing training and placement.	All age groups, broad range of industries.
Focus	Lists jobs from employers committed to older workers.	Provides paid, part-time training in community service.	Connects job seekers with numerous openings; requires filtering.
Benefits	Access to age-friendly employers; extensive resources.	Paid training; help with job search after training; government-backed.	Wide reach; diverse opportunities; networking potential.
Best For	Experienced workers seeking new full or part-time roles.	Those needing skills refreshers, income-eligible training, and job placement support.	Anyone comfortable with modern job-seeking platforms and digital tools.

The Health and Lifestyle Benefits of Working Longer

Deciding to stay employed past 75 is not just a financial decision; it can have profound benefits for your overall well-being. Keeping a schedule and engaging in work has been shown to improve cognitive health, reduce the risk of cognitive decline, and increase physical activity. Work provides a structured routine and a reason to get up and be active every day. The social connections formed with colleagues, clients, and the public are also vital for mental health, combating isolation that can sometimes accompany retirement. Furthermore, the satisfaction of mentoring younger generations and applying a lifetime of wisdom is deeply rewarding.

Conclusion

Finding a job at 75 is not only achievable but a increasingly popular and beneficial option. With a strategic approach to updating your resume, a willingness to leverage your invaluable experience, and the right resources, you can navigate the modern job market with confidence. Whether for financial security, purpose, or connection, the opportunity to continue contributing is a powerful aspect of healthy aging. By focusing on your strengths and staying current, you can embark on a new and fulfilling professional chapter. For more tailored guidance, resources like the NCOA Job Skills CheckUp can be a great place to start your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is possible. You should focus on your transferable skills from previous roles and highlight any recent volunteer work, online courses, or certifications you've completed. Consider flexible or part-time roles that align with your accumulated expertise.

Many roles offer flexibility and are well-suited for seniors, including retail associate, greeter, tutor, consultant, bookkeeper, or performing service-oriented gigs like pet sitting or driving.

To address potential age bias, focus your resume on the last 10-15 years of experience, showcase your up-to-date technology skills, and emphasize your adaptability during interviews. Frame your experience as a key strength.

Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), it is illegal for most employers to discriminate against candidates who are 40 or older based on their age. You are not required to provide your age, date of birth, or graduation dates on your resume.

Beyond a supplement to retirement income, working can help fund hobbies, support a more comfortable lifestyle, and may offer access to valuable employer-sponsored health insurance plans that provide more coverage than Medicare alone.

Yes. The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, provides job training and placement assistance for low-income individuals aged 55 and older.

Excellent remote options include roles such as virtual assistant, bookkeeper, content writer, and phone survey conductor. Many companies also offer remote customer service positions.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.