Death after Retirement
Mr. Transportation and I were discussing finances. He gave an exaggerated sigh and said, “I’m going to be working until I’m 95.” I joked, “That might not be a bad thing! You’ve heard that retiring causes death, right?”
Even though I was joking (we are surrounded by long-retired, healthy seniors, many of them octo- and nonagenerians), a number of studies have shown that those who work longer live longer. Scientists speculate that there might be a “healthy worker effect” at play: those who are healthy enough to keep working will continue to do so, and those who already have health issues (physiological) (i.e. more likely to die naturally) are the ones who retire as soon as they can.
I suspect that the other needs of The Right Hand of Long-Term Happiness might also help explain the increased mortality. I have a widower great-uncle in his 80’s who is still working. When I expressed my surprise at this update, he said, “Well, what else am I going to do?” For him and many others, having a job provides purpose (growth). For some, it can also give meaningful daily social interactions. In one paper, the authors note that some seniors are forced to retire earlier than they are planning to due to lack of choice (autonomy, esteem). For others who have inadequately planned for retirement, the financial stress might cause or exacerbate health problems (safety).
I also believe that The Right Hand of Long-Term Happiness explains why early retirement has no effect on mortality rates. Those who are able to retire early generally have a financial plan in place and are able to fill the Six Needs independent of work.
Have you recently retired or do you know someone who has? If so, how are you or they addressing the Six Needs? Are you planning on retiring early? Do you have a plan for how you will fill your time? I’d love to hear all of it in the comments.
Notes:
The studies that show a negative effect on mortality rates make comparisons between those who work until they can accept a pension/social security and those who continue to work.