6 Decades of Purpose: Why 94 Year Old Marta Barany Refuses to Stop Working

I'm 94 and still work five days a week. Six decades in, I still have no plans to retire

At 94 years old, Marta Barany is still working five days a week as an interpreter and translator in Australia—a profession she has championed for over 60 years. Arriving in Australia in 1951 as a refugee fleeing post-war Europe, Marta discovered her life’s calling during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution when she stepped up to help newly arrived migrants communicate.

Throughout her remarkable six-decade career, Marta played a pivotal role in establishing vital national services, including the Telephone Community Interpreting Service and the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). Honored with the British Empire Medal (BEM) and the Order of Australia Medal (OAM), she has dedicated her life to ensuring people are understood when they need it most.

When forced into retirement from public service at age 65, Marta refused to sit back. Instead, she transitioned to freelance work, continuing to serve both the private and public sectors. Today, Marta remains energized by her work, driving to assignments, conducting phone and video interpreting, and proving that purpose, mental sharpness, and a strong work ethic have no expiration date. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the value of passion, resilience, and meaningful contribution at any age.

If you want to read more visit: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/insight/article/im-94-and-still-work-five-days-a-week-six-decades-in-i-still-have-no-plans-to-retire/