For many older Americans, working past Social Security-eligible age is more about the idea of staying active and socializing than it is about really needing additional income (though those who fall into this category will tell you that the extra money certainly comes in handy).

Dan Brown, who officially retired from Dermody, Burke & Brown in 1992, now works for the firm only during tax season, but puts in 50-hour weeks during that time. He keeps up-to-date on tax laws by attending conferences throughout the year and has learned to use the computer systems.

He considers work a form of therapy, a way to keep active and vital.

“Everybody asks, ‘Why are you knocking yourself out like that?'” Brown says.

“Because I like it. It's been something where I feel like I can contribute.”

Joyce Vella, who is well above retirement age, has been doing her part to contribute for the last 42 years.

She recently celebrated her 500th month as the confidential secretary to the Cayuga County attorney.

After her children were grown, Vella, then a single mother, looked to return to the workforce (she had left to be a homemaker for seven years because at that time, she recalls, it wasn't acceptable to work once you started wearing maternity clothes).

Vella has since become the de facto historian of her office, having served through five county attorneys.

As of now, retirement from her full-time position is not even a blip on her radar.

“They say you'll know when it's time,” Vella says. “At the moment, I'm having too much fun.”

She would be fine financially without working but fears that she would get bored were she to leave.

After two or three days of vacation, she finds herself twiddling her thumbs; she's not one for reading all day, nor is she the world's greatest traveler.

Besides, work is good for your mind and body, Vella says, adding that she has no aches and pains. (Wrinkles, it should also be noted, are scarce, and a simple black skirt reveals Tina Turner-like legs).

Joseph Camardo Sr., 77, of Auburn, who has an abundance of energy belying his age, agrees.

“If I sit down and start to lay around, I think that's kind of an unhealthy situation,” says the Cayuga Community College professor who has taught thousands of students throughout his roughly 50 years in the classroom.

Camardo plans to continue his 15-credit, full-time course load as long as he is able.

Even if he does retire, he's not laying back in an easy chair and dining on early bird specials any time soon - he has his sites set on law school.

“I've had kids come in and say ‘You've taught my grandfather,'” Camardo recalls with a laugh. “When it comes time that it's their great-grandfather, I think it's time to move on.”

For the last two years, Ruth McLoughlin, a 67-year-old Auburnian, has received her mental and social stimulation as a part-time greeter at Bass Pro Shops in the Fingerlakes Mall.

She chats with repeat customers, welcomes new ones and receives hugs from children she has come to know.

Most of her co-workers are years younger than her, but McLoughlin never feels the age difference.

“I think it's good for people my age, especially someone like me who lives alone, to keep in contact with people,” says McLoughlin, who sought part-time employment after retiring from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency. “It keeps your mind active.”