"The groundwork of all happiness is health." - Leigh Hunt

Working later in life pays greater than just income.

Posted by admin July 27, 2024

Photo: © Rawpixel/Getty Images

Punching the clock remains to be a part of the routine for a growing variety of older adults. They are staying employed or returning to work, regardless that their traditional retirement age is over 65.

Why are we working within the afterlife?

There are many explanation why people work more, and a few are related to health. For example:

  • Life expectancy has improved. In 1970, life expectancy for people reaching age 65 was 78 for men and 82 for ladies. Today, men and girls who reach 65 will live to the ages of 84 and 86, respectively. “If you expect to live into your 80s or beyond, it's natural that you'll still be working into your 60s and 70s,” says Maestas.

  • Jobs require less physical work. “In today's information economy many people have less physically demanding jobs, so it's easier for some to continue working,” explains Dr. Maestas.

  • People of their 60s are in higher health today than they were 50 years ago.

Dr. Mastas points out two other reasons for overworking. First, education levels have increased, and people who find themselves more educated usually tend to work at any age. Second, as people live longer, they might should extend their working lives to support themselves.

Aging workforce

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2017 that 32 percent of individuals aged 65 to 69 were working, and 19 percent of individuals aged 70 to 74 were employed.

The projection for 2024 is that 36% of individuals aged 65 to 69 might be within the labor force, up from 22% working in 1994.

Good for health

There is growing evidence that working past the age of 65 can outweigh earnings. Some studies have linked earlier retirement with higher health and longevity.

A 2016 study of nearly 3,000 people, published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Healthsuggested that working one 12 months more after retirement age was related to a 9% to 11% lower risk of dying over the 18-year study period, no matter health.

A 2015 study of 83,000 adults over age 15, published within the CDC Journal Prevention of chronic diseasesuggested that, in comparison with retired people, working people over the age of 65 were about thrice more prone to report being healthy and about half as prone to have serious health problems, equivalent to cancer or heart disease. There was a possibility of disease.

Other studies have linked earlier retirement age to a lower risk of dementia and heart attack.

Not at all times good for health

However, working past retirement age is probably not useful to everyone's health. For example:

  • Exposure to emphasize at work has long been recognized as a risk factor for coronary artery disease and stroke.

  • If your job is physically demanding, you might be at increased risk of injury.

  • If you're feeling like your work has no meaning, in case you're bored, or in case you feel “burned out,” it may well increase stress or affect your mood. Is.

It's not surprising, then, that quite a few studies have found the health advantages of being retired. For example, a 2010 study of 14,000 people, published in gave BMJfound that retirement was related to significant reductions in mental and physical fatigue and depressive symptoms.

A mixed bag

In fact, scientists have found mixed results once they have studied the consequences of working past retirement. “Some studies have found little benefit, no benefit, or maybe even harm. On balance they tend to be positive,” says Maestas.

But she also points out that the mixed results show that the health advantages of figuring out rely upon the person and their circumstances.

What must you do?

We know that being mentally, socially and physically lively – which may enable you to work – is sweet for health.

Mental stimulation and problem solving are good for maintaining considering skills. Social engagement is related to stopping chronic disease; And being physically lively, even when it's just walking, can result in each higher health and sharper considering skills.

Does this mean it is best to keep working? “Yes, if you can,” says Maestas. “But be careful what you're doing. Don't stay in a job you hate. Try to find something that's meaningful and gives you purpose. If you're happy at work If so, it's a sign that work can be good for your health.”

If you're thinking about going back to work, the National Council on Aging (www.ncoa.org) and AARP (www.aarp.org) have many resources on their web sites.