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101-Year-Old New Jersey Man Still Hard At Work After More Than 70 Years

EAST HANOVER, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- For anyone who is retirement-age and thinking of hanging it up, there's a worker at one New Jersey store who offers real inspiration for staying on the job -- at 101 years old.

As CBS 2's John Slattery reported, Herman "Hy" Goldman works four days a week assembling and repairing lighting fixtures.

"All I know is I keep going," he said. "I get up, and I keep going."

Goldman works at Capitol Lighting, where he has been employed since 1941. The store has moved a few times over the years and has received a face lift, but Goldman has stuck by the store.

Goldman was born in 1913, and like most men of his generation, served in World War II. He lost his wife 12 years ago, Slattery reported.

Back in the early 50s, Goldman was the store manager at Capitol Lighting, but now he does what he likes: working with his 101-year-old hands.

So how is it that some people of Goldman's age can keep working?

"Their mind has to be set to do it, and their heart has to be set to do it. It has to be in your genes," Goldman said.

For a man who works with electricity, this is shocking: Goldman still drives to work every day.

Living alone in a home for seniors, Goldman said his physical and mental health is a gift.

"I was blessed," he said. "I'm ahead of the game."

The owner of Capitol Lighting certainly thinks so.

"The way he talks about long life being a gift, it's a gift to have him in our lives," said Max Lebersfeld.

When asked how long he'll continue to work, Goldman said "As long as there's the strength to do it, I'll do it."

After employment with the same company for more than 70 years, he may be the brightest bulb in the place, Slattery reported.

Goldman is a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Capitol Lighting has another elderly worker, a saleswoman who is 90 years old.

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