80 Most Influential Americans Over 80 by 24/7 Wall Street

Mildred Dresselhaus, 86, Profession: Physicist
Mildred Dresselhaus, 86, Profession: Physicist

The United States is not known for respecting its elderly, who are often overlooked, perceived as lacking the value of the young who are still likely to be in the workforce. Yet, some of the country’s oldest living citizens are, and continue to be, among the most influential Americans.

24/7 Wall St. compiled a list of American citizens who are at least 80 years old — living legends, whose contributions have had a permanent effect on our society. Many of these Americans, despite being over 80 years old, continue to go to work every day. Some have worked at the top of their industries for over half a century. Others are retired, but their work continues to have a lasting impact on every aspect of American life.

Check out the full 24/7 Wall Street article here

Featuring 24/7 Wall Street’s pick for #27: Mildred Dresselhaus.  Mildred Dresselhaus is one of the most accomplished scientists in the U.S. Dubbed “The Queen of Carbon Science,” her groundbreaking work studying the atomic properties of carbon advanced her field considerably and ultimately lead to major advances in consumer electronics. She became the first tenured female professor to teach in the California Institute of Technology’s engineering department. In 2014, Dresselhaus was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor awarded by the government.