Study finds retirement comes with many health benefits

Published: July 19, 2016 | Updated: September 19, 2024

When it comes to retiring, there are many things to consider. Can you manage it financially? What goals do you hope to accomplish?

The first question can be answered with the help of a financial planner and an honest assessment of your resources. The second question also takes an honest assessment of what you intend to do with your day-to-day life after retirement.

If sitting on the couch watching reruns of “I Love Lucy” is your dream, you might want to reconsider.

A recent study found that people who worked past retirement tended to live longer and healthier lives. The benefits of social interaction and having a sense of purpose are key to aging well. But that certainly doesn’t mean we can’t accomplish those things if we do retire.

Another study from the University of Sydney found that those who retire become more active, sleep better and reduce their sitting time. The research revealed that retirement was associated with positive lifestyle changes.

The study, published in American Journal of Preventative Medicine, found that retirees:

• Increased physical activity by 93 minutes a week 
• Decreased sedentary time by 67 minutes per day
• Increased sleep by 11 minutes per day
• 50 percent of female smokers stopped smoking

The study also said those most likely to benefit from retirement are people who worked full time for the past 20 years. Conversely if you weren’t active before retirement, things aren’t likely to change after you retire.

Whether you stay busy on the job or during retirement, all signs point to activity as the key to living longer and healthier lives. Stay involved in things you enjoy, have a purpose and keep those TV reruns to a minimum.