More Seniors Choosing Work Over Retirement For Health Benefits

At 73 years old, with a career spanning 51 years, I continue to work. I do not seek praise or pity for this decision. I work because I enjoy it. After leaving my last job at 67, I set up as an independent consultant, working part-time with a schedule of about 25 to 30 hours a week, primarily in the mornings.

Recent findings have confirmed what I have long suspected: continuing to practice my profession as a senior has numerous health benefits, including physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. Working past the standard retirement age can keep the brain active, maintain cognitive function, and reduce the risk of dementia. It also helps in staying socially connected, boosting emotional well-being, and potentially preventing chronic illnesses and extending lifespan.

More people than ever are working past 65, and even into their eighties and nineties. This trend is largely due to increased longevity. If one retires at 65, they may live another 15 to 20 years, leaving ample time to engage in fulfilling activities. Additionally, people are generally staying healthier for longer and are better educated, often doing jobs that are more cerebral than physical.

My current lighter work schedule allows me to pursue other valuable activities, such as playing soccer with my grandchildren, socializing with new friends, and learning Italian. These activities, I believe, contribute to robust health. However, working longer does not always boost health. It can strain the body, increase stress, disrupt sleep, and limit leisure time, which is crucial for rest and relaxation.

Many people my age have retired, having spent decades in demanding professions. They may feel they have done enough and are ready to stop. My neighbors in Italy are surprised to learn that I am still working, assuming that I have retired given my move to a small farming town far from my former headquarters.

I find great value in continuing to work. It provides intellectual stimulation, social connection, a sense of identity and importance, and the opportunity to contribute to society. I believe that retirement could be detrimental to my health. As a writer, I take the phrase "publish or perish" literally. I resonate with the views of Keith Richards, who considers music a necessity of life, and Giorgio Armani, who believes that work is the best medicine.

Deciding whether to continue working or retire is a personal dilemma. Factors such as current health, financial status, education level, nature of work, and attitude toward aging play a significant role. Ultimately, what gives life the most meaning and purpose should be considered. I continue to work for the sense of accomplishment, the ambition to fully utilize my experience, and the curiosity to see how long I can maintain high standards.

I align with the philosophy of George Bernard Shaw, who believed in being thoroughly used up when dying, as the harder one works, the more one lives. Life, to me, is a splendid torch that I hold for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before passing it on to future generations. Working at this stage of my life is about performing basic maintenance to stay functional and feeling fully alive.