How Might Retirement Affect Your Health?

You Should Know: The percentage of Americans age 65 and older has doubled in the past 50 years, and the average life expectancy is higher than it’s ever been at 79. Living longer also probably means spending more years in retirement. While the prospect of having more time to travel, explore hobbies, and rest might sound like a dream come true, leaving the workforce can pose challenges — and opportunities — to our health. 

Going Deeper: Retiring means stepping out of the rhythm of the workplace — one that might have provided regular social interaction, cognitive labor, and even physical activity. These, along with a healthy diet and stress management, are the core pillars of longevity. Some research suggests retirement can have a negative impact on cognitive function: A 2026 working paper found that adults who retired before 65 experienced faster cognitive decline. Early retirement is also linked with a higher risk of mortality. 

Takeaway: But there’s also one particularly potent perk of retirement: less stress. Retirees who get regular exercise, eat healthy foods, feel like members of a community, and stay socially and mentally engaged are more likely to stay sharp and healthy. 

Bottom Line: Prioritizing both physical and cognitive health before and after you retire can help ensure you live longer and live well.