Retirement won’t kill us, but how we approach retirement may increase our chances for a healthier life. In a recent report a decade long study of more than 4,000 people aged 55-75 revealed how different retirement lifestyles might improve your quality of life. The study compared one group of people who had retired to a life of leisure with others who continued to work. Those who retired for health reasons were not included in the sample.

The study concluded that people who continued to work had less health-related concerns than those who completely stopped working. Typical ailments cited were mobility problems, diabetes, high blood pressure and depression. Those who continued to work were more happy and healthy during their senior years.

Working forces us to be physically and socially active. These were two of the main factors named for having a healthier life after retirement. Surprisingly, the health of those with better retirement incomes, higher savings and pensions fared worse than those with smaller incomes. What’s the reason? The lower income retirees often worked part-time out of necessity, which kept them more physically and socially active and in touch with a wider support network.

Government and private pensions do not encourage people to work beyond age 65. Many retire earlier. The study suggests that employers, both public and private, should rethink these pensions to keep their workers employed longer. Why? There’s a huge loss in knowledge and ability, as well as a loss of talent, and it is possible that these policies are inadvertently causing a drain on the healthcare system.

So, how will you prepare for your leisure years? Are you intending to keep active and enjoy a healthy lifestyle after work? Consider your options. Review your hobbies and interests. Search for ideas that will give you the necessary activity and social outlets for a happier and healthier lifestyle after you enter your “retirement” years. Take care of yourself, keep involved and in touch with others, and remain healthy.

This is a monthly article on financial planning. Call or write to Rick Sutherland CLU, CFP, FDS, R.F.P., of Fundex Investments with your topics of interest at 798-2421 or E-mail at rick@invested-interest.ca.