Will early retirement rot?

brain rot in retirement

brain rot in retirement

After years of stinginess and savings, investing wisely, and working hard, your reward could be the luxury of early retirement and a significant drop in your IQ.

A new study by the faculty at Binghamton State University of New York has found that early retirement can accelerate cognitive decline in older people. The study found that access to retirement plans can play a significant role in the decline in older adults’ mental performance, with the damage showing up around four years after retirement, when test subjects experience a 1.7% decline in general intelligence.

For clear retirement planning, consider a free consultation with a trusted financial advisor.

Why retirement hurts your brain

brain rot in retirement

brain rot in retirement

Leaving work was found to impair the functioning of immediate, delayed and general memory in program participants. This is a very disturbing finding, as lower delayed recall memory scores are considered to be a very accurate indicator of dementia in the elderly, with more negative consequences for women.

In addition, the longer retirees are out of work, the more their cognitive development may deteriorate.

The study showed that the cause of mental decline was a decrease in social activity, activities related to mental performance, volunteering and social activity of pensioners.

“Participants in the program report significantly lower levels of social engagement, as well as significantly lower levels of volunteering and social interaction,” said Plamen Nikolov, associate professor of economics at Binghamton University. “We found that increased social isolation is strongly associated with faster cognitive decline in older adults.”

But while study participants’ mental abilities declined, their overall general health improved after they left work due to reduced stress, improved nutrition, better sleep, and reduced levels of illness or poor nutrition. Study participants also reported less regular alcohol use compared to the previous year.

However, the study authors concluded that these health benefits may not offset the effects on the brain.

“Things that matter and determine better health may just be very different from things that are important for better cognition in older people,” Nikolov said. “Social activity and connection may simply be the single most powerful factor in cognitive performance in older age.”

The study echoes the findings of a study published in 2020 by the American Psychological Association, which found that some middle-aged and older people, especially women, may be at greater risk of cognitive decline as they age, when they give up challenging tasks and goals after going out on pension. . An earlier study in 2017 also reported declines in core cognitive function in nearly 3,500 participants before and after retirement, with verbal memory declining 38% faster after retirement than before retirement.

The new findings come from a study of participants in China’s New Rural Pension Scheme using data from the China Longitudinal Health and Retirement Survey, a nationwide representative survey of people aged 45 and over in the Chinese population that directly tests cognitive function, especially memory and intelligence. condition.

“Resignation has important benefits,” Nikolov said. “But it also comes at a significant cost. Cognitive impairment in older people, even if it does not lead to severe debilitation, results in a reduced quality of life and can have negative consequences for well-being.”

bottom line

brain rot in retirement

brain rot in retirement

Almost everyone wants to retire, partly to stop using their brains at work. The bad news, however, is that new research shows that retirement can lead to cognitive decline. This obviously doesn’t mean you shouldn’t retire, but it’s worth knowing so you can work to stay in shape.

Retirement Planning Tips

  • A financial advisor can help you make sure you’re ready for retirement. Finding a financial advisor is not difficult. The free SmartAsset tool will match you with up to three vetted financial advisors that serve your area, and you can interview their advisors for free to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find a consultant to help you reach your financial goals, start now.

  • The best way to save for retirement is generally to use a workplace retirement plan such as a 401(k). Be sure to take advantage if you have one.

Photo credit: ©iStock.com/kate_sept2004, ©iStock.com/Paperkites, ©iStock.com/svetikd

Post Will early retirement rot? first appeared on the SmartAsset blog.

Content Source

News Press Ohio – Latest News:
Columbus Local News || Cleveland Local News || Ohio State News || National News || Money and Economy News || Entertainment News || Tech News || Environment News

Related Articles

Back to top button