There is no doubt that in many places work plays an important role in people’s daily lives. Some people work just for the money, others have other reasons for working. I personally believe that people work to realize themselves, to have a sense of fulfillment, and to keep themselves busy and healthy, especially older people.
First and foremost, people work to self-actualize so they feel they have accomplished something in their lives. When you achieve something you’ve wanted, you’re likely to feel proud and confident. For example, one of my friends has a stable and prosperous life with her family at the age of 40. She definitely doesn’t need any other income to support herself. Nevertheless, she started studying art and graduated. Now she is ready to open her own academy to teach other people and prepare an exhibition. She did all these things because she dreamed of becoming an artist and finally made it.
In addition, some older people work because they need something to keep them busy and healthy. For example, one of the volunteers at the community center I visit from time to time comes every day, even though he doesn’t have to. He gets a pension, income from Social Security, and a few other sources, but he still works. He says the work keeps him busy and healthy. He comes to the community center to socialize and help the residents, so he feels he is still good and useful. Money is not the main motivation for work in this case.
In short, the importance of work cannot be overstated for the above reasons. All in all, most people work to provide financially for themselves and their families, while some other people work to realize themselves and to keep their lives busy and healthy.