Senior workers who continue to punch the clock after the age of 65 may have unlocked the secret to health and happiness.
A recent National Poll on Healthy Aging report based on a survey of more than 3,400 people aged 50 to 94 found that those who work past 65 report benefits you would expect, such as keeping their brains sharp (cited by 57%) and maintaining social connections (37%).
But the survey also found that — to an even greater extent — working past 65 helps people in ways you might not anticipate.
Here is how working later into life might add zest to your golden years.
3. Physical health
Respondents aged 65 or older who reported that work has a “very positive” or “somewhat positive” effect on their physical health: 79%
Respondents aged 50 to 64 who reported the same: 64%
One of the great risks of retirement is becoming too sedentary. Continuing to work keeps you active. That can be true even if you work a desk job.
Among all workers 50 and older, 71% said working keeps them more active. Meanwhile, just 33% said working has a negative impact on their physical health.
2. Mental health
Respondents aged 65 or older who reported that work has a “very positive” or “somewhat positive” effect on their mental health: 84%
Respondents aged 50 to 64 who reported the same: 68%
We hear a lot about how work grinds people down, swamping them with stress that takes a toll on their emotional well-being. Even if that is true of younger workers, it certainly does not appear to be the case for seniors.
A full 41% of workers 65 and older say remaining on the job has a “very positive” impact on their mental health.
1. Overall well-being
Respondents aged 65 or older who reported that work has a “very positive” or “somewhat positive” effect on their overall well-being: 90%
Respondents aged 50 to 64 who reported the same: 75%
A remarkable — and encouraging — 9 in 10 workers aged 65 and older say continuing to work has a positive impact on their overall well-being. In other words, virtually everybody who works later into life reports substantial benefits from doing so.
Ready to improve your own well-being? Check out “20 Great Part-Time Jobs for Retirees.”
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