To stay sharp, do we have to stay employed?
A recent study suggests that staying employed may help delay cognitive decline, particularly for those in their early 50s. Researchers found that individuals who exit the workforce early experience significant declines in cognitive scores, especially among men aged 51 to 64. The findings highlight the importance of work for mental fitness and have implications for policies promoting employment and retirement security.
- ▪The study indicates that employment can slow cognitive decline, especially for those under 65.
- ▪Cognitive declines were notably observed in men aged 51 to 64 who left the workforce early.
- ▪The research suggests that the benefits of work extend beyond financial compensation, impacting mental health.
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Open this photo in gallery:Commuters walk outside Toronto's Union Station during rush hour on May 11.Sammy Kogan/The Globe and MailShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountEarly retirement is a nice dream for many of us who are squirrelling our savings. But perhaps financial independence is just one obstacle to the freedom we crave. Another one: concerns about cognitive decline when we exit the workforce.The connection between working and staying mentally sharp is a hot topic among researchers, given our aging population and the rising number of dementia cases. A recent working paper from researchers at the University of California, Irvine – circulated through the National Bureau of Economic Research – adds a cautionary note.
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