Retirement Can Speed Up Health Decline Without Purpose.

In various studies from 2013 to 2023, researchers like those from the University of Manchester and NBER analyzed data from thousands of retirees in cohort and longitudinal setups. They tracked health changes post-retirement, focusing on cognitive, physical, and mental aspects, adjusting for age, job type, and voluntary status.

Findings revealed verbal memory drops 38% faster after retiring, 5-16% rise in daily activity difficulties, and 6-9% mental health decline. Social isolation and loss of purpose accelerate aging, with 40% higher heart risks in some. But voluntary retirement with active lifestyles can improve health, reducing stress and boosting self-care.

Plan retirement with purpose—volunteer, exercise, and stay social to stay healthy.