Many individuals realize that their level of retirement or even the onset of retirement might be delayed due to the recent economic fallout. There may be one special silver lining that comes out of this mess. Consider the following research excerpted from: From: http://ageing.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/38/5/531
The authors (Andiara Schwingel1, Mathew M. Niti, Catherine Tang and Tze Pin Ng) based their study on an initial evaluation and a 2-year followup evaluation with individuals that lived in Singapore and were over the age of 55.
Trained research nurses interviewed participants (non-volunteering retiree, volunteering retiree, and working seniors) on mental health status (geriatric depression scale, Mini Mental State Examination, positive mental wellbeing and life satisfaction).
Results: about 88% of seniors were retired (78% non-volunteering, 10% volunteering) and 12% were still working in paid employment or business. At baseline and 2 year follow up, and regardless of physical health status, volunteering retirees and working seniors gave significantly better MMSE cognitive performance scores, fewer depressive symptoms, and better mental well-being and life satisfaction than non-volunteering retirees.
The dream of just lying around after retirement may not be in your best interest. Use this opportunity to reflect on ways that you can continue employment (part-time) or volunteer. In either case, continued involvement may be the best thing to bring the "gold" to your golden years.
Copyright 2009 - Jim Lindell