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It's not just Joe Biden. These Australians are still working in their 70s with no plan to retire

Judy Holmes plans to return to her mobile dog grooming business after her knee operation. (ABC Radio Sydney: Rosemary Bolger)

If Joe Biden wins the next election he'll be in the White House until he's 86 — an age most Australians reach long after retirement.   

But there are some Australians who share the US president's commitment to hard work into their 70s and even 80s.

Not everyone is content – or can afford to – put their feet up.

According to the 2021 census, more than 65,000 Australians in their 70s worked full time, or 3 per cent of that age group.

Another 5,200 aged in their 80s worked full-time. About double that number worked part-time. 

National Seniors Association chief advocate Ian Henshke believes the figure would be higher if there was not such a financial disincentive.

In Australia, older people can only earn $190 a fortnight or $336 for couples before their pension is cut back.

Mr Henschke told ABC Radio Sydney Australia should look to New Zealand where a quarter of over-65s continue to work.

"The Kiwis have got a different system, they let people work, and they don't punish them when they're on a pension," he said.

These older Australians explain why they are forgoing the pension and keep working.

Bob Katter says he's "determined" to keep working. (ABC News: Nick Haggarty)

Bob Katter, politician

Bob Katter is three years younger than the US president and the oldest politician in federal parliament.

Some days, including earlier this month when he was cleaning up the Charters Towers showgrounds after an event, the 77-year-old does question why he's "still working at 100 miles an hour".

Often referred to as a "maverick", the long-serving Far North Queensland representative is known for his strong opinions, stunts and viral sprays.

What's driving him now, he says, is a determination to increase the life expectancy of First Nations people and to stop the population draining from North Queensland.

Bob Katter is determined to keep fighting for his constituents. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)

With his connections and experience in politics, he believes he is the only person that can do it.

"That is why I'm staying right in the ship, determined like a good old Viking," Mr Katter says.

"I'm determined to keep going."

For his opponents he has this message:

"If you stand in my way, then you better say your prayers," Mr Katter says.

"But then, you don't believe in prayers, so you can't even do that."

Judy Holmes with another happy customer. (ABC Radio Sydney: Rosemary Bolger)

Judy Holmes, mobile dog groomer

Most of Judy Holmes's friends are retired, but she doesn't feel like she's missing much.  

Rather than going out for lunches or watching movies, the 73-year-old is busy crisscrossing Sydney suburbs to wash and clip pet dogs in her trailer.

"People say it's hard work, but I don't actually find it hard," Ms Holmes says.

"It keeps the brain active.

"I talk to people and I love the dogs."

A hip replacement 11 years ago did not put an end to her mobile dog grooming business and she's optimistic about bouncing back after an upcoming knee replacement.

"I'm doing everything I can to give me as good an outcome as I can and I plan to come back to work," Ms Holmes says.

While she could afford to put her feet up – she owns her home in Enmore in inner Sydney – she says the job gives her more financial freedom to do the things she enjoys, such as travelling overseas.

John Hatzikiriakos says he only feels tired on his days off. (ABC Radio Sydney: Rosemary Bolger)

John Hatzikiriakos, restaurant owner and cook

Most people look forward to their days off after a tiring week at work, but it's the opposite for John Hatzikiriakos, who owns the Greek Islands Taverna in Sutherland in Sydney's south.

"I'm sitting at home Mondays and Tuesdays when we're not working — I feel wrecked," he says.

Mr Hatzikiriakos and his brother George opened their first restaurant in Marrickville nearly 60 years ago.

John was in the kitchen and George was out the front.

Now 77, Mr Hatzikiriakos works alongside his wife, son and grandchildren.

He says the restaurant's regular customers have become part of the extended family too.

"I meet people, all different types of people, and I create a big family," Mr Hatzikiriakos says.

The successful restaurant is known for its home-style Greek dishes, which take time and effort to make.

He claims to never get tired, but if he does start to flag on a busy, late night, it's nothing a couple of tsipouro shots (a strong spirit) can't fix.

"I tell everyone it's holy water," Mr Hatzikiriakos says.

Jenny Kee says the most important thing is to keep moving as you get older. (Supplied)

Jenny Kee, fashion designer

Jenny Kee works for the same reason she always has.

"You work when you've got work to do," the 76-year-old says.

The fashion designer, celebrated for incorporating Australian wildlife and flora in her designs, is putting together her archives as well as collaborating with other artists on new projects.

"I can't see myself stopping working," Ms Kee says.

"But taking the pause to do the archive is really, you know, important to know that it's in order before I die."

Some things have changed since she and her then-business partner Linda Jackson shook up the Australian fashion scene in the 1970s.

"I have restrictions to how I work, though," Ms Kee says.

"I mean, I get people to do things that I might have done myself, you know, to make it easy for me."

Ms Kee spends three hours each day exercising in and around her home at Blackheath.

"Keep moving," she says is the key.

Ms Kee's standards remain just as high as they were in the past.

When asked if her recent work is her best yet, at first she says yes, before revising her answer.

"I don't think really it has to be better," she says.

"I just think it has to be beautiful."

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