The average retirement age in America is 62 years old, but if it were up to Estelle Bridges we would all work until our bodies made the decision for us.
Bridges celebrated her 96th birthday Wednesday at the Columbia Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, but she isn’t a patient there. Bridges has worked full time in the housekeeping department for the past 47 years and is still going strong to this day, working 40 hours a week.
While many would wonder why she didn’t give it up 30 years ago, Bridges said she simply enjoys being around people and likes the work because it keeps her active and healthy.
“I get plenty of exercise,” she said. “I want to work as long I’m able. I just feel better doing something.”
Bridges recommends for others her age to get out and do as much as they physically can because the more you do, she says, the better you feel.
Prior to working at the nursing home on N. Main Street, Bridges took care of her children, Marvin E. Bridges III and Topeneka Bridges. She said her children have told her there’s no way they would continue to work as long as she has, but it’s what gets her out of bed in the morning and keeps her going strong.
Bridges is an inspiration to the staff at Columbia Rehab, and her energy rubs off on them.
“It’s phenomenal,” Human Resources Generalist Mary Myles said. “It’s inspirational to see her at 96 — I’m only 36 — and sometimes she gets around better than some of us younger people. I asked her when I first got here and found out her age, ‘How did you get to this point?’ She said, ‘Doing what I do: working.’”
Myles added the patients don’t know Bridges’ age and just think that she’s in her 50s or 60s.
Though she’s closing in on the century mark, there’s nothing standing in Bridges’ way because she continues to do what she loves: work and stay active.
