We live longer than we have ever before, which means working more years than ever before too. Retirement age is getting older but still many of us rush into retirement. But working longer, and potentially not retiring at all, has proven to be better for your health.
Professor Sally Davies, will be releasing a report on just that- staying in the workforce longer for your health. “People are living longer than ever and so retirement presents a real opportunity for baby boomers to be more active than ever before. For many people it is a chance to take on new challenges, it is certainly not the start of a slower pace of life it once was,” said Davies.
She continues on to say that “Staying in work, volunteering or joining a community group can make sure people stay physically and mentally active for longer. The health benefits of this should not be underestimated.”
Roughly 42% of 50-64 year-olds have at least one health condition and 24% have more than one. Working longer doesn’t have to mean sitting at a desk, and it shouldn’t. Davies told the Guardian that she was not saying that retirement should be abolished. She added: “We’re not saying you must stay in work. Moderate steadily. Stay active, stay in the community. Don’t become isolated, is the message, whether it’s staying in work, volunteering or working with the family. All of that is good for long term health, both physical and mental.”
Davies, who is 67, is still working. “Partly because I go out and exercise twice a week and try and maintain my weight. I think it’s very important people realise it’s never too late to try and increase activity and make sure the lifestyle is a healthy one”.
Studies show that early retirement can have some benefits to your health when it leads to a busy and active social life for those with larger pensions. But those who are in a lower income bracket can suffer ill-health related to the stress of their financial insecurity.
