Real estate emerged as the most popular professional of choice among Bostonians past the age of retirement, according to a new study from Sam’s List.
The finance company compared the number of employed people aged 65 and over in each of America’s 100 largest metro areas, including Boston, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau and other sources. Researchers found that one in four Boston residents over 65 were still working, one of the highest rates in the nation.
Among this cohort, real estate brokers and sales agents made up the highest share of workers. So, what’s keeping Boston’s real estate professionals in the game?
Staying young
For Deborah Lucci, luxury properties specialist at William Raveis, pursuing success and staying competitive drive her. Early in her career, real estate allowed her to feed her family. Now, she participates in the industry because she enjoys the energy it offers.
“My dad used to say, ‘You love the competition as long as you’re winning,’ and he was right. I still love the competition, and I still love the changes in real estate,” she shared with Boston Agent magazine.
“I have always found the real estate business fascinating because it changes constantly, and that is what I love most about it. Keep up or move over. … I love competing, watching the market change, learning new technology and keeping ahead of the curve. I think real estate can either run you into the ground or help you stay young. It’s all in how you approach it.”
Savoring momentum
With 25 years of industry experience behind her, Joanna Schlansky, Realtor at Elite Realty Experts, has no intention of hitting the breaks. She expressed pride in the business she’s built and still takes joy in her work.
“People sometimes ask me why I’m still working in real estate when I’m at an age where I could retire. The answer is actually pretty simple: I still love what I do,” Shlansky said. “Could I slow down? Probably. Do I want to? Not yet. As long as I’m still enjoying it, still learning, still helping people and still waking up wanting to do this every day, I’m going to keep going.”
She added, “I’ve worked hard to build the business and reputation I have today, and I’m incredibly proud of the team around me.”
What’s Ahead
Roughly four million Americans will turn 65 in 2026, meaning 11,200 people will hit retirement age daily this year, according to research from StorageCafe. With more resources and energy behind them, many like Lucci and Shlansky plan to stay in the workforce, both adapting to and shaping their industry.