Community Empowers 91-Year-Old Grocery Store Worker's Retirement Dreams: 'It Makes Me Want To Cry'

Working at an older age is becoming increasingly common, and there are several reasons why people may choose to continue working past retirement age.

Financial reasons are the most common motivation for older adults to continue working. Unfortunately, many people cannot afford to retire due to a lack of savings or insufficient pension benefits.

A 91-year-old woman working at an Oregon grocery has similar reasons to work at an old age. But soon, she will be able to retire with the help of funds raised through GoFundMe.

Having dedicated many years to her work, Betty Glover decided to retire due to health concerns. To alleviate her financial burden, she initiated a GoFundMe campaign to pay off the fifth-wheel camper she calls home.

She has been working at a grocery store called WinCo, in Medford, Oregon, for about 10 years.

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"I really need to retire as my eyesight is failing due to macular degeneration," Glover said in a post on GoFundMe. "To retire I need to pay off the fifth wheel I live in. If I can do this, I will have enough to pay for the rent of the space, groceries and medications that I need."

According to a report, the average retirement age in the U.S. continues to rise. It is now 61, up from 59 in 2002 and 57 in 1991. Americans also expect to retire much later than they did a decade ago. 

A report by the Rogue Valley Times said that Glover's fundraising campaign has so far generated more than $60,000, much more than what she expected. Glover told the news outlet that she hopes the money will allow her to spend some time with her grandkids.

"I never even thought I'd make $40,000. It really is heartwarming, and it makes me want to cry," she said.

"When you are 30, 90 feels like forever. Somebody said, 'Well, you're always so upbeat.' I said, 'well, yes, I don't sit around and think about dying. I think about living. And I think about what exciting things are going to happen tomorrow,'" Glover added.

"I look forward to tomorrow … I always have," she told the Rogue Valley Times. 

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This story is part of a new series of features on the subject of success, Benzinga Inspire.