Seniors and Retirement: Not everyone retires at 65
By BETH DOW, Senior Living Advice
Considering retirement? You might want to think twice. While retirement can seem like a dream, for some seniors, it falls short of expectations.
Not everyone is ready to retire at 65. A recent study revealed that 1 in 5 seniors plan to work past 70, and 12% say they never intend to stop working.
The reasons for delaying retirement vary. Some need more time to save money, others want to keep their minds sharp, and many value the social interactions work provides.
A 2013 study found that delaying retirement may lower the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s. Each year of delayed retirement reduces the risk by 3.2%. To put this in perspective, a person retiring at 65 has about a 15% lower risk of dementia than someone retiring at 60.
I believe retirement can contribute to cognitive decline, but it’s not the act of retiring itself … it’s what you do afterward. Some retirees become inactive, losing mental stimulation, daily socialization, and physical activity.
Dementia prevention guidelines emphasize exercising the body, stimulating the mind, and staying socially active. Can you do these in retirement? Absolutely, but it requires planning.
If you are retired or planning to retire soon, find reasons to stay active. Join exercise classes, take a college course, or volunteer. Opportunities abound from building homes to mentoring children and assisting fellow seniors.
Another option – consider a part-time job. An AARP survey found that about 40% of retirees return to work for financial, social, and emotional reasons.
As a business owner, I can attest that older, seasoned, dependable employees are invaluable. Many of my best employees are over 60, enjoying the flexibility of part-time work and the sense of purpose it brings.
Some seniors focus so much on their retirement date that they forget to plan for life afterward. They prepare financially but overlook the cognitive, social, and physical effects of retirement.
Additionally, retirement can be an ideal time to explore new hobbies or even travel, if health permits. Many seniors find fulfillment in pursuing passions they never had time for while working. Whether it’s gardening, painting, or learning a new language, engaging in such activities can provide joy and a sense of accomplishment. Moreover, staying physically active and maintaining a healthy diet are crucial.
Regular check-ups and preventive healthcare measures can ensure a better quality of life, making retirement a period of growth and enjoyment rather than decline.
After retirement, seniors have much to share and enjoy. Here’s to making the most of it.
Beth Dow is a Dementia and Alzheimer’s Educator, CAEd and Geriatric Care Manager. She is also the owner of Home Helpers of GA & AL in Newnan. Readers can contact her by email at [email protected].
