Is Postponing Retirement Good For Your Health?

We’ve all been warned about procrastination, but is putting off retirement for a year or so an exception to the rule? So many of us say the stress of our jobs is killing us, but on the flip side is it the adrenaline rush of a deadline that keeps us going?

It’s a known fact that staying active is a major factor when it comes to longevity and health. Older adults who keep their bodies, and minds engaged in a job may add years to their lives according to a study by Oregon State University. From 1992 to 2010 when the participants retired, healthy, and unhealthy retirees demonstrated the positive effect working one more year had on their mortality rate. The healthy group had an 11 percent lower risk of mortality, and the unhealthy group had a 9 percent lower risk. Interestingly, those who worked an additional year despite preexisting illness did quite well. Perhaps this is a prime example of mind over matter? The more time we have to spend dwelling on our health issues the easier it is to succumb to them.

Retiring early may sometimes mean becoming less active or socially involved. Of course, slowing down to a halt after years of daily activity can be a shock to the system. Another thing to consider is the stress of finances. Working as a regular source of income, and unless you have a comfortable nest egg, retiring early can mean really tightening your belt.

I think the moral of the study, is along the same lines as getting enough exercise. Whether you’re healthy or not, keeping busy, keeps you going. Most Baby Boomers in today’s society are working well beyond age 65. The National Institute on Aging says our average life expectancy has increased dramatically, could it be attributed to our refusal to call it quits?