Continuing to work... Retirement and leisure increase the risk of depression and stroke

A study has shown that people who fully retire after reaching the retirement age without re-entering the workforce are more likely to experience a decline in health compared to those who do re-enter employment. The research indicates that continuing to work after retirement age can impact not only the economic status of middle-aged and older adults but also their health.

According to academic circles on the 21st, a research team from Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health published a paper titled "Employment Changes and Medical Use After Retirement" in the Journal of the Korean Society of Health Economics and Policy. The paper classified retirees aged 50 to 60 into partial retirement if they re-entered employment after retirement, and full retirement if they did not re-enter employment.

Analysis of 203,768 retirees showed that those who re-enter the workforce after partial retirement had a lower likelihood of depression compared to those who did not work. This is interpreted as the negative effects of losing work roles, social isolation, and decreased perception outweighing the positive health benefits of stress relief and leisure time associated with retirement.

Furthermore, the probability of stroke-related healthcare utilization was significantly lower among partial retirees compared to fully retired individuals. This analysis aligns with other previous studies indicating that both voluntary retirement and involuntary unemployment significantly increase the risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases.

In particular, it was found that the probability of stroke hospitalization is lower among the higher income group who pay more health insurance premiums. The researchers explained that professionals, managers, and office workers in the higher income bracket often re-enter the workforce in a manner akin to talent donation or volunteering rather than for livelihood, and their higher education levels make it more likely that they maintain health management and positive health behaviors even while working.

The research team suggested, "These results imply that re-employment after retirement can affect not only the economic status but also the health of older adults," and emphasized the need for more active research on retirement and health impacts.

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People who find part-time work even after retirement are said to be healthier.

In a way, it seems only natural.

Moving your body and working seem to be better for your health.