This Hamilton senior was declared an essential worker. He decided to retire early to look after his wife.

Ilpo Lehto, a maintenance worker at York University for 35 years, had planned to retire in spring 2021.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the 65-year-old worried whether it'd be safe to keep working.

The biggest problem was going to be the travelling," he said. Being at the university, I wasn't so concerned, because I don't actually have to interact with any individuals."

Because of changes to the bus schedules during the pandemic, Lehto would have had to take the GO bus from Hamilton to Pearson airport. It becomes a bit of a concern. Who's getting on at the airport?"

He also worried about his wife, Stella, who's just shy of 67 and has heart problems.

While schools and businesses were shutting down in March in response to the pandemic, Lehto was declared an essential worker. The couple had to decide whether he should continue to work or retire ahead of schedule.

Fortunately, Lehto had provisions in his collective agreement that allowed him to take leave to take care of Stella. Because his wife has limited mobility, Lehto is the main housekeeper. He had several months' worth of sick days saved up, which carried him until the end of May. When by that point the pandemic didn't look like it was going anywhere soon, he started to use his vacation days.

In June, Stella developed a kidney stone and when seeking treatment at the hospital, was diagnosed with diabetes.

Eventually, the couple decided it would be best if he retired now. His vacation days will finish in a few days and as of September, he will be officially retired.

I stopped working for Stella's health concerns," he said.

Even though he didn't get to say goodbye to his co-workers, Lehto is grateful that he can stay safe at home with his spouse. Taking his retirement early also meant taking a cut to his expected income, but Lehto says the numbers are close enough" to where he'd like them to be.

I'm not sure if everyone else has been so lucky," he said.

Stella doesn't hold back. It's worked out great," she said, noting the couple has found ways to keep Lehto relaxed but still busy at home. He's a wonderful gardener."

In the fall, they look forward to Lehto working on repairs at home, working on the electrical and plumbing, and renovating with their kids.

I'm thrilled he's home," Stella said.

Maria Iqbal's reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows her to report on stories focused on aging issues.