"Many might keep working as they may have not saved enough or just really enjoy going to work."
A mixed-age workforce was essential to a successful business, Ms Claire said.
"We have a huge age range in our office. I'm very proud of that."
She said there were many opportunities for older workers, such as opportunities for part-time flexibility, mentoring, and passing on knowledge to younger workers beneficial for the workplace.
But perceptions and barriers were pushing older Bay workers into ventures such as starting their own businesses, due to lack of employment opportunities for workers past retirement age.
Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stan Gregec said it was seeing many older people in the Bay of Plenty wanting or needing to stay in the workforce.
"It can be very difficult for newcomers to break into the Tauranga job market, especially older people.
"It used to be that anyone over 50 was considered a liability. Now it's probably affecting anyone over 40."
There was a perception that older workers did not have up-to-date skills and attitudes, especially in terms of technology and overtime.
"These perceptions are often incorrect, but nonetheless do create a major barrier for them," Mr Gregec said.
"Older workers can bring a huge amount of experience to a job, and are a lot more reliable. They are not juggling family priorities as much and have a great work ethic."
Priority One projects manager Annie Hill said the effect of the ageing population on the workforce meant retaining and employing mature workers was a smart solution for businesses.
"With people living longer and sometimes experiencing 20 to 30 years of 'retirement', this opens up a whole new space in which to engage in meaningful work and activity.
"The good thing is that New Zealand is well ahead of most other OECD countries in recognising the value of older workers, coming second only to Iceland in terms of employing people aged 65 years and over."
Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty Grey Power president Jennifer Custins said many people over retirement age wanted to continue working. There are financial reasons, particularly those with second marriages with a mortgage, or those who need to work, or want to."
She said employers needed to change their ideas, "like more flexible working times, or job sharing".
Having mature workers was an opportunity for younger workers to learn and have skills passed on to them, Ms Custins said.
Tauranga City Council HR business partner services manager Megan Davies said 35 people aged 65 and over were employed throughout the organisation.
"We have found that mature workers often take on mentoring roles, which is a wonderful way to develop less experienced staff and supports the transfer of knowledge, particularly given the complex and challenging nature of the work council undertakes," Ms Davies said.
"Having people of all ages in an organisation means you get a wide variety of skills, experience and perspectives."
Bunnings New Zealand general manager Jacqui Coombes said more experienced team members were an integral part of a business.
"Many mature aged workers join us to utilise their experience and skills and we have some who have been on the tools for a lot of years and have a great deal of knowledge and are able to use those skills in a different kind of environment."
