'I felt valued and useful': Meet the 82-year-old Pinay redefining active retirement in Queensland

Erlinda Esguerra proves that age is no barrier to service. At 82, she continues to work and serve others, staying active in her role and dedicated to helping her community.

According to Erlinda Esguerra, although she is already a self-funded retiree, she is still working as a pharmacist assistant at 82 years old, not just to earn money but to extend herself to the community. She said that continuing to work has made her feel wanted and useful. Source: Erlinda Esguerra/Facebook

Key Points

• Erlinda Esguerra is originally from Bicol but grew up in Mandaluyong, Manila. She graduated from college and became the Pavilion Manager at the Philippine Pavilion during Expo 1988 in Brisbane.
• One year after applying, in 1989, she became a permanent resident, and her first job was as a cleaner, which she jokingly called an 'environmental scanner.'
• At 82 years old, she has been working for a year as a pharmacist assistant in Rockhampton, Queensland because she wants to stay active in the community and continue helping others.
• For her, working gives her strength and reinforces her sense of purpose, making her feel valuable and useful in society.
• According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, life expectancy in Australia is about 83 years (81.1 for men and 85.1 for women).

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

'I felt valued and useful': Meet the 82-year-old Pinay redefining active retirement in Queensland

SBS Filipino

14:24Filipino

Aside from working as a pharmacist assistant, Erlinda Esguerra is actively participating in church and community events in Queensland. Source: Erlinda Esguerra/Facebook

At 82, from assistant to the minister to cleaner, health manager, and dispensing Panadol, I enjoy my work because of the pastoral care it involves. I listen to patients as they share their life stories, and I tell them, “I hope you feel better, I’ll pray for you,” which is why they keep coming back.

Erlinda Esguerra, Self-funded retiree and pharmacy assistant, Rockhampton, Queensland

Aside from working as a pharmacist assistant, Erlinda Esguerra is actively participating in church activities. At 82, she is also active in community gatherings honouring women. Source: Erlinda Esguerra/Facebook

Although I am already retired, it’s not just about earning money but about extending myself to the community, and the impact of continuing to work in my life is that I felt wanted and useful.

Erlinda Esguerra, self-funded retiree at pharmacist assistant, Rockhampton Queensland

At 82, she is also actively involved in church activities and participates in community gatherings celebrating women in the community. Source: Erlinda Esguerra/Facebook

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