Experts have revealed the pros and cons of retiring at different ages. (Image: Getty)
Experts have revealed the pros and cons of retiring at three different ages to help make what can be a tricky decision that little bit easier.
Retiring at 60:
Research indicates that retiring in your early 60s can decrease stress levels, enhance life satisfaction, and potentially reduce the risk of certain illnesses.
It’s also a significant boost for your mental wellbeing if you’ve rather than being forced into it.
Helen Kewell, a registered counsellor and author specialising in ageing, told : “Having ownership of this major life change means you are more likely to feel empowered and excited.
“I always encourage people to think carefully when it comes to significant decisions. In this case: how do I want to spend my days, are there trips to plan, do I want to volunteer at a charity once a week?”
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Exercising into retirement is important. (Image: Getty)
Retiring at 66:
Numerous studies suggest that retirement can have a positive impact on mental health, particularly in terms of reducing depression and stress. This is likely connected to the alleviation of work-related pressures.
As we get older, our bodies struggle more to manage stress hormones like cortisol, making a more relaxed lifestyle increasingly attractive. Experts unanimously agree that maintaining is beneficial for long-term health.
Dr Lucy Pollock, a consultant geriatrician, told the outlet: “What we know in the medical world is that the more physical activity you can do in later life, the better you will manage overall.
“Sitting in a chair for long periods isn’t going to be helpful. My key message to my patients is, keep moving and make friends. Something like dance is perfect; it’s excellent for the brain and the body, plus it’s social.”
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Retiring at 70:
In 2023, the number of over-70s in employment saw a staggering 61% increase. A 2021 study by BMC Public Health revealed that those who worked either full or part-time had better mental health than their retired counterparts.
Not only does maintaining a routine and having a purpose provide a reason to rise each day, it also helps combat loneliness – a and a contributing factor to numerous diseases.
Proffsor Tara Spires-Jones, neuroscientist and president of the British Neuroscientist Association, told the outlet: “Numbers of people with dementia are going up and occurrence increases over age 65.
“Keeping your brain active, whether that’s through working or other means, helps build strong connections between the neurons, allowing your brain to cope better with everyday situations.”