Despite my advanced age of 93, I continue to serve diligently as an accountant. This role suits me well.

Fay Pacchioli is 93 and Still Working - Her Tale of Perseverance

Meet Fay Pacchioli, a 93-year-old dynamo who's still clocking in, proving that senior citizens don't need to slow down. But she's not just any 93-year-old - she's the boss lady of a business she founded over half a century ago.

In an exclusive interview with our site, Fay opens up about her life, financial challenges, and the secrets behind her remarkable vitality.

Fay stresses the importance of staying active and maintaining social connections to promote well-being.

This piece features Fay Pacchioli, a 93-year-old entrepreneur running a company she founded decades ago. Pacchioli, hailing from Pennsylvania, discusses her financial obstacles, yet joyfully continues her work and enjoys an active social life. Her statements have been skillfully edited to improve readability and clarity.

I'm not ready to hang up my apron yet. According to the papers, I may join the centenarian club someday, but I can't guarantee that. I feel great, despite my age.

I'm not rich. Reading about how big everyone's bankrolls are leaves me in awe.

But I have enough wealth to live comfortably. I've arranged for my funeral expenses and allocated funds for each of my children and grandchildren. However, I'm far from wealthy.

My family struggled during the Great Depression, and my dad fell ill before I was born, making it hard for him to work. My mother raised four of us kids without much support. In my tenth year of schooling, I started my first job. That was the moment my world expanded with a taste of independence and control over my finances.

Before establishing my company, I held various jobs. Since school, I've worked for a publishing house, edited their magazines, worked at a radio station, and then landed a gig at a newspaper. Along the way, I developed an interest in showing dogs, leading me to sell dog gear and food from my car.

Eventually, I opened a store with pet supplies and groomed dogs. The store, now over 50 years old, bears the name Sandy King's. I even enrolled in business school to stay updated on paperwork and industry trends.

We sold our house and moved the business to the building location we own. The living quarters were on the upper floor, so we built our store entrance and set up a back porch stairs. We streamlined the space and eventually transformed a recreational area into a retail shop.

Business was slow initially, but my first representative warned me about the narrow staircase in the back of the building, which made me think. Around a year later, after covering our initial expenses, we put up a prominent sign. Given our location on a busy street, the sign has served us well.

I sold the business in 2016, at 85. But I never stopped doing the books. My daughter bought the business and now runs it, employing her team. I assist when needed.

Embracing Elderhood

My mother became disabled at 82 and left us at 86. She found solace in the library, consuming books whenever they became available. Aware of my own mortality, I knew I had to find a way to stay active as I aged.

Work gave me purpose and drove me to rise early every day, as we opened at 9 am. By 80, I was still attending dog shows, staying active in my profession.

Retirement presents its charms, as I no longer need to adhere to anyone's schedule. I arrange my working hours and take time off when I wish. I estimate I work a few hours each day, but I may take a day off and work six hours the next, abandoning a strict schedule for the freedom to choose. Since I'm a night owl, I'm often awake until midnight or 1 am, enjoying my freedom to catch up on work when necessary.

Without work, I'd feel restless. During holiday weekends when the business is closed, I would catch up on paperwork only to feel bored the rest of the time. When I'm idle, I zone out in front of the TV, realizing this habit isn't beneficial for my mental health.

In my free time, I care for my dog, attend therapy sessions, and tidy up the house, even though a housekeeper visits once a month.

Staying active is essential for maintaining quality of life. I often go out, attending gatherings like my class reunion, which is still going strong. We meet monthly and yearly to celebrate our shared milestones. I go out for dinner sporadically, yet my favorite pastime is participating in bridge games, which keeps my mind sharp as I move from table to table.

My husband passed away six years ago, leaving me with three wonderful children who take care of me. They've visited whenever I've needed assistance. In August, I had a minor stroke and was unable to drive, so they generously ran my errands until I could get behind the wheel again. I have a summer cottage by the lake, where I enjoy long walks during the warm months.

Stay active. Offer your time as a volunteer, engage in any worthwhile pursuit. It'll keep your spirits high and help you maintain your vitality.

Fay Pacchioli, the 93-year-old entrepreneur, emphasizes the importance of staying active and engaged in work-related activities for mental health and overall well-being, highlighting its role in enhancing quality of life.
Having gone through the Great Depression, Fay Pacchioli values the significance of financial security and independence, explaining how her first job at a young age during her school days provided her with a taste of both.
With a strong focus on staying active and maintaining social connections, Fay Pacchioli utilizes her time to attend therapy sessions, play bridge, volunteer and participate in gatherings to support her mental health and overall well-being.
In the realm of relationships, Fay Pacchioli cherishes the bond she shares with her family, particularly her three children who provide her with support, assistance, and unwavering care amid the aging process.