Pension Sense blog | November 25, 2025 | Mindy Tirapelle

California teachers live a long time. We’re not joking. You live a really long time. Did you know that 477 CalSTRS retirees are more than 100 years old?

We love this for our members, as you’ve all dedicated your lives to a noble profession. We also love it for the state of California. Retired public educators in California give back to local communities with their volunteer activities and the state economy by spending money locally and paying taxes.

Over the years, we’ve examined how CalSTRS benefit recipients affect the state of California. In a 2022–23 study, we sent payments totaling $19.9 billion to more than 352,000 retired members. Of that, approximately 84%, or $16.8 billion, was paid to recipients living in California.

The report showed that the money retired members spend provides a steady and ongoing economic stimulus to California’s communities and the state economy. Dollars that retired members spend on housing, utilities, food, transportation and other items flow through the economy, generating income and financial opportunities for other Californians.

In recognition of those members who continue making contributions to their communities in retirement, representatives from the California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA) presented a symbolic check to the Teachers' Retirement Board at its November meeting.

By totaling the volunteer hours of retired members, CalRTA estimates the monetary benefit to communities was more than $42 million last year.

At CalSTRS, we’ve made it our mission to secure the financial future of California’s public school educators to ensure that, after spending your professional career giving to the community, you can continue enjoying your life in retirement—enriching and improving the world around you.

Thank you for your hard work. It’s an honor to work on your behalf. ​