BRANDON, Fla. — It’s not uncommon these days for older people to stay in the workforce longer, particularly in states like Florida with older populations. Statistics show that nationally, nearly 19% of people 65 or older are still working.

What You Need To Know

  • Statistics from Pew Research Center show that nationally, nearly 19% of people 65 or older are still working

  • Most older workers who seek career changes are successful, especially when they’re able to use their skills from their old careers, according to a survey released by the American Institute for Economic Research

  • 82% of the survey respondents reported making a successful transition to a new career after age 45

  • After 30 years in the grocery industry, Cynthia Bryant, 65, decided to pursue other dreams like nursing

Economists say that’s due in part to inflation and the cost of living, but also because of medical advances that are helping people live longer. Not only are some people working well into their golden years, they are changing careers.

That includes Cynthia Bryant, who is new to her profession as a nurse.

She’s been perfecting her bedside manner for years because she always wanted to be a nurse.

“Patient care is what love about it,” said Bryant. “I love seeing what I do make a difference.”

But at 65 years old, Bryant says it took a while for her to realize her dream.

“Just life,” she said.

Like many older adults, Bryant has been through several career changes in her life. She owned a limousine company with her husband in the early 2000s.

But when he was killed on the job, she says she needed a change.

“Tough times,” the widow explained. “It changed my life dramatically.”

After 30 years in the grocery industry, Bryant decided to pursue other dreams like running a marathon and nursing.

She enrolled at Galen College of Nursing and graduated last May.

“If you’re still living, do it,” she said. “A lot of my friends said, ‘Why aren’t you retiring?’ I said, ‘To do what? I’m still living. I’m healthy.’”

Most older workers who seek career changes are successful, especially when they’re able to use their skills from their old careers, according to a survey released by the American Institute for Economic Research. More than 80% of the survey respondents reported making a successful transition to a new career after age 45.

“You gotta get up and keep going. You cannot stop. Cause I was there, I lay in bed many days and said, ‘Why bother?,’” said Bryant. “I’ve wanted to be a nurse a long time.”

She says she’s living proof that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and make a difference.