Retirees who work part-time are at the advantage of promoting their cognitive functioning unlike those who choose to exit the labour force permanently.
A study published by the Network for Studies on Pensions, Aging and Retirement (Netspar) found that there is a significant negative causal impact of retirement on cognitive functioning.
The study, conducted by three researchers, Eric Bonsang, Stephane Adam and Sergio Perelman, underlined that memory loss and dementia among the elderly represent a major public health burden, especially in the current context of population. Aging and idleness can worsen them.
“Cognitive impairments, even those not reaching the threshold of dementia diagnosis, are associated with a loss of quality of life, increased disability, and higher health-related expenditures,” the study stated.
The study found no evidence that changes in cognitive functioning affect retirement expectations nor does it have links with eligibility for social security.
“Findings suggest reforms aimed at promoting labour force participation at an older age may not only insure the sustainability of social security systems but may also create positive health externalities that may in turn affect expenditures on long-term care,” the study stated.
However, while working part-time can promote cognitive function, a separate recent report found that “too much work can have adverse effects on cognitive functioning.”
The study published in the Melbourne Institute Working Paper for 2016 indicated that for working hours up to around 25 hours a week, an increase in working hours has a positive impact on cognitive functioning but when working hours exceed 25 hours per week, an increase in working hours has a negative impact on cognition.
This shows that retirees must balance thier working to maintain good cognitive function with adequate working hours that will not impact negatively on thier cognitive functions.
