Like it or not, more and more baby boomers are choosing to continue working past retirement age. Many aging workers cite the current economic downturn, rapidly increasing health insurance costs and the falling value of homes and 401(k) plans as reasons why they choose to keep working. In fact, according to the American Association of Retired People (AARP), 69 percent of employees over the age of 45 are planning to work past the age of 65.
And while motivations to keep working past retirement can frequently be economic in nature, there are also some mental and physical health benefits to be had. On the other hand, working too many hours may harm your health.
Here are some of the potential health advantages—and disadvantages—of working into your golden years:
Advantages:
Health insurance: Many older workers keep plugging along for the health insurance for a number of reasons, including the ability of extending care to spouses of children. Some part-time employers actually offer health benefits, but many don't. Make sure you research potential employers and learn as much as you can about their health benefits.
Keeping you brain sharp: A recent British study suggests that working beyond retirement age has at least a limited ability to keep dementia at bay. In addition, regular interaction with others and continually learning new skills can actually expand mental development.
A sense of belonging: Continual interaction with co-workers, customers and clients can ease the sense of isolation experienced by many retirees. Mental well being and 'being a part of' something can contribute to overall mental and physical health.
Keeping your body in motion: It's been proven more and more that regular physical activity can slow aging, ward off injuries and prevent early death. To avoid the risks of a sedentary lifestyle in retirement, employment is often a way to get a retiree up and out of the house.
Cons:
Working out of necessity: For many older workers, sitting through their retirement without employment is not an option, causing some physical and mental strain that can lead to a host of health problems.
Getting the hours right: Each individual has specific needs, so getting the right hours can be vital. Work too few hours, and the pay and benefits might not be enough. Work too many hours, and physical and mental stress can enter the picture. Getting to a happy medium with scheduling that benefits the employer and employee can be challenging. Less leisure time: The traditional image of the retiree is of one that had lots of time on his hands. Days filled with golf, visits from the grandkids and early bird dinner specials are the ideal. Just remember that whether you want to work or need to work, if you get a job, there will be less time for leisure activities.
Increased risk of injury: While many jobs are behind a desk, some employment may require physical activity. Be aware of you limitations, and prevent overextending yourself physically.
And while motivations to keep working past retirement can frequently be economic in nature, there are also some mental and physical health benefits to be had. On the other hand, working too many hours may harm your health.
Here are some of the potential health advantages—and disadvantages—of working into your golden years:
Advantages:
Health insurance: Many older workers keep plugging along for the health insurance for a number of reasons, including the ability of extending care to spouses of children. Some part-time employers actually offer health benefits, but many don't. Make sure you research potential employers and learn as much as you can about their health benefits.
Keeping you brain sharp: A recent British study suggests that working beyond retirement age has at least a limited ability to keep dementia at bay. In addition, regular interaction with others and continually learning new skills can actually expand mental development.
A sense of belonging: Continual interaction with co-workers, customers and clients can ease the sense of isolation experienced by many retirees. Mental well being and 'being a part of' something can contribute to overall mental and physical health.
Keeping your body in motion: It's been proven more and more that regular physical activity can slow aging, ward off injuries and prevent early death. To avoid the risks of a sedentary lifestyle in retirement, employment is often a way to get a retiree up and out of the house.
Cons:
Working out of necessity: For many older workers, sitting through their retirement without employment is not an option, causing some physical and mental strain that can lead to a host of health problems.
Getting the hours right: Each individual has specific needs, so getting the right hours can be vital. Work too few hours, and the pay and benefits might not be enough. Work too many hours, and physical and mental stress can enter the picture. Getting to a happy medium with scheduling that benefits the employer and employee can be challenging. Less leisure time: The traditional image of the retiree is of one that had lots of time on his hands. Days filled with golf, visits from the grandkids and early bird dinner specials are the ideal. Just remember that whether you want to work or need to work, if you get a job, there will be less time for leisure activities.
Increased risk of injury: While many jobs are behind a desk, some employment may require physical activity. Be aware of you limitations, and prevent overextending yourself physically.
