Older workers have become the nation's fastest workforce sector, but two locals say it is not just the low returns on their savings that are keeping them in the workforce.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Allan Fleischer and Shirley Smith, aged in their 70s, both work at Wagga's Bunnings Warehouse and said they love the satisfaction of helping others and being surrounded by a diverse team.
Mr Fleischer has been working since he was 16 years old and has never left the workforce.
"I've been working with Bunnings for 27 years ... and I wouldn't want to work anywhere else to be quite frank," Mr Fleischer said.
"I've met some fantastic people and the young ones too are awesome, a lot of them are university students working part-time and they accept the culture and really put in a good effort.
"It brings me pleasure to see them grow."
Mr Fleischer said he is not surprised that many mature aged people are returning to work because of an increased uncertainty that their super funds won't be enough for retirement.
"It's not easy to make ends meet no matter how careful you've been in the past," he said.
"It's been a minor reason for me but also the fact that if you keep your body and mind moving, I think you enjoy life more to the end."
- READ MORE: RETIREES LOSE WITH INTEREST RATES
An analysis of the nation's over-65 workforce, by the Melbourne Institute's Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia, found older workers are more likely to be axed from part-time or fixed-term contracts.
However, this was not a concern for the 76-year-old.
"No not at all, there is nothing with the management of Bunnings that would worry me whether I was entering now at this age or as I am now," he said.
For Shirley Smith, 74, returning to the workforce in her 40s and staying was a matter of satisfying herself and passing on her life experiences.
"I was a stay at home mum and I thought I needed to do something for myself once my children were off my hands and in high school," Mrs Smith said.
"I love it and that's why I've stayed so long ... having the variance in age group is really good and the younger ones look up to me and I appreciate that.
"It gives me something to do because I'm a widow and I hate being at home; I'd rather be out and talking to people."
Mrs Smith has been with Bunnings for 19 years and said older aged people have plenty to offer in the workforce.
"Why sit at home and waste it; bring your knowledge into the workforce, help and nurture young people so that they can takeover when you leave," she said.
"But, I just do it for my own personal satisfaction."
The store's operations manager Matthew Ross said with almost 50 years of experience between them, they play an integral role in the team.
"At the end of the day we want to make sure we have a diverse team who have different experiences to offer our customers," he said.
"Having a blend means there's learning and mentoring opportunities for everyone as well as plenty of DIY experience to share."