It’s The Little Things: Working to 103 and Loving It!

4 min read

How does one work, and love it, into your 80s and beyond? Meet Gladys McGarey, who at103, maintains a full schedule. What’s her secret to beating off burnout at work after almost six decades. The answer: a passion for what you do and an ability to reset after late-life setbacks.

Welcome to That's Life, I Swear. This podcast is about life's happenings in this world that conjure up such words as intriguing, frightening, life-changing, inspiring, and more. I'm Rick Barron your host. 

There’s a saying: ‘It’s the little things that matter’

Occasionally, I stumble upon captivating news snippets, charming anecdotes, or lesser-known historical gems as I dive into my research for upcoming episodes. Despite their brevity, these nuggets of information convey meaningful messages about life. I strongly believe in the significance of appreciating the small things, and I'm excited to periodically share these brief segments with you. My hope is that you'll glean something valuable from each episode, no matter how modest it may be.

That said, here's the rest of this story 

Maintaining vitality throughout a work span exceeding six decades involves a profound dedication to one's craft and the resilience to rebound from setbacks in the later stages of life. Charles Munger, the vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway who passed away in November of 2023, exemplified this character by actively participating in daylong Zoom board meeting at the ripe age of 99, asserting that when enjoyment is involved, it ceases to be labeled as mere work. Rosalynn Carter, who recently passed away at the age of 96 in 2023, transcended the setback of her husband's failed re-election bid to become a vocal advocate for mental health and caregivers.

The experiences of Munger, Carter, and their contemporaries offer instructive insights not only for seniors aspiring to prolong their professional journeys but also for younger individuals grappling with premature burnout. A recent survey indicates that almost half, or 48%, of workers under 30 admit to feeling burnt out, a higher proportion compared to four in 10 among those aged 30 and above.

Enter Dr. Gladys McGarey, who at the remarkable age of 103, continues to contribute to her field through consultations, talks, and podcast interviews spanning nearly eight decades in the medical domain. 

Dr. Gladys McGarey. Courtesy of The Well-Lived Life website

McGarey, echoing wisdom from her extensive career, advises, "If you burn out, relight the fire." Her journey includes managing a clinic while raising six children and establishing a new one right after she was hit in the face with something she wasn’t expecting.

At the brink of her 70th year, Dr. Gladys McGarey found herself navigating a tumultuous sea of change. Her partner of 46 years, now departed, dropped the bombshell of a divorce request, shattering the stability of both her professional and personal realms.

In the aftermath, McGarey, a seasoned healer who had dedicated decades to mending others on physical, mental, and spiritual fronts, felt the weight of her own brokenness. A moment etched in memory involves her pulling her car to the roadside, unleashing a torrent of anger and frustration. Gladys found herself from being the healer to now becoming the wounded.

Amid the emotional upheaval, McGarey questioned the trajectory of her future. "Am I condemned to spend the remainder of my days in such screams?" she pondered. Ironically, it was the very agony she endured that transformed into an unexpected but profound teacher, guiding her through the labyrinth of self-discovery.

A significant demographic shift is observed among workers aged 75 and older, marking the fastest-growing age group in the workforce, quadrupling since 1964, as revealed by a recent Pew Research Center study. This trend is anticipated to persist, with workforce participation among individuals 75 and older projected to reach 11.7% by 2030, up from 8.9% in 2020, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.

Dr. Thomas Perls, leading the New England Centenarian Study at Boston University, contends that long-lived workers often possess a blend of purposefulness and favorable genetics. He attributes 25% of the ability to reach one's 90s to genetics, with the remaining 75% influenced by behavior and environment.

The narratives of achievers extend beyond Munger and Carter to figures like Norman Lear, who secured Emmy Awards in 2019 and 2020 before passing away at 101, and Henry Kissinger, who provided counsel well into his 90s and published a leadership book at 99. Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman on the Supreme Court, remained active even after retiring at 75, contributing to federal appeals courts and promoting civics education until her passing at 93 in December.

McGarey's background as the daughter of medical missionaries, her relocation from India to pursue medical studies when women comprised only 4% of American physicians, and her resilience in the face of personal upheavals showcase her multifaceted journey. Despite enduring a divorce at almost 70 after 46 years of marriage, McGarey turned adversity into an opportunity for personal growth, co-founding a new medical practice with her daughter.

Retiring officially from medical practice at 86 did not halt McGarey's contributions. She continued her work, even traveling to Afghanistan to educate rural women on safer birthing practices.

Contrary to the assumption that everyone desires to work in their later years, Dr. Robert Waldinger, a Harvard Medical School professor, notes that some may simply choose not to continue without experiencing burnout. As people age, their ability to discern priorities and let go of less meaningful pursuits becomes more refined. The objective isn't necessarily an 80-year career but finding purpose in activities during one's 80s and beyond.

For many, the essence of work lies in passion, purpose, and love. McGarey, in her 100s, recently published her memoir and continues to offer life-coaching sessions. Conducting an estimated 200 interviews and podcasts, she starts each day by reviewing plans with her son, emphasizing the importance of having a reason to embrace the morning.

Gladys enjoying a bike ride. Courtesy of The Guardian

Residing in a modest home in Scottsdale, Arizona, behind her daughter's residence, McGarey's lifestyle incorporates holistic practices, emphasizing nutrition and self-care. Her routine includes maintaining a balanced diet, getting nine hours of sleep, riding an adult tricycle received on her 102nd birthday, and covering 3,800 steps daily…almost two miles.

In alignment with those who find fulfillment in their later careers, McGarey advocates discovering activities that infuse life with significance, causing our "hearts to sing." According to her, this is the key to a gratifying and enduring journey.

What can we learn from this story? What's the takeaway?

The story about Dr. Gladys McGarey, provides several valuable lessons. 

In essence, the takeaway is that a combination of passion, resilience, purpose, adaptability, and a holistic approach to well-being, can contribute to a gratifying and enduring journey throughout one's professional life, even into the later years.

As Gladys said, "If you burn out, or face a major hurdle in your life, you relight the fire." 

Here’s a tidbit from Norman year who said his longevity was in part being around people who made him laugh. Simple thought but it carries a lot of weight, especially in the time period we live in today. 

Well, there you go, my friends; that's life, I swear

For further information regarding the material covered in this episode, I invite you to visit my website, which you can find on either Apple Podcasts/iTunes or Google Podcasts, for show notes calling out key pieces of content mentioned and the episode transcript.

As always, I thank you for listening and your interest. 

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