Posted on 01/12/2023 5:17:58 PM PST by ConservativeMind
Early retirement can accelerate cognitive decline among the elderly.
"China introduced a formal pension program (called NRPS) in rural parts of the country. The program was introduced because of China's rapidly rising aging population and in an effort to alleviate poverty in old age," said Nikolov.
"In rural parts of the country, traditional family-based care for the elderly had largely broken down, without adequate formal mechanisms to take its place. For the elderly, inadequate transfers from either informal family and community transfers could severely reduce their ability to cope with illness or poor nutrition."
The researchers obtained administrative government data from the Chinese government on the implementation of pension program. Nikolov discovered that the new program led to significant adverse effects on cognitive functioning among the elderly.
The most significant indicator of cognitive decline was delayed recall, a measure widely implicated in neurobiological research as an important predictor of dementia. The pension program had more negative effects among females.
"Participants in the program report substantially lower levels of social engagement. We find that increased social isolation is strongly linked with faster cognitive decline among the elderly. Interestingly, we found the program improved some health behaviors. Program participants reported a reduced incidence of regular alcohol drinking compared to the previous year," said Nikolov.
"Individuals in the areas that implement the NRPS score considerably lower than individuals who live in areas that do not offer the NRPS program," Nikolov said. "Over the almost 10 years since its implementation, the program led to a decline in cognitive performance by as high as almost a fifth of a standard deviation on the memory measures we examine."
Surprisingly, the estimated program impacts were similar to the negative findings regarding the same phenomenon but in higher income countries such as America, England and the European Union.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
I retired at 60 in 2008.
No wonder I’m a numbskull now...
I started playing chess in retirement to keep the mind sharp. The only problem is that it is more frustrating than golf. I’m stuck in the doldrums and can’t break out. But at least I am helping my brain (I think).
That’s easy to understand. I retired early (got a good package from my employer) and I’ve noticed a decline despite having kept my mind active. I think the key is to remain engaged...don’t sit around eating and napping.
There’s a lot to do with yourself after retirement; several old folks volunteer at our local museum of science and history.
Hubby and I joined a neighborhood garage band 2 yrs ago. We’re all senior citizens and some of us are retired. All of the members agree that playing in the group has helped their memory, coordination, etc.
I’ve seen it first hand. The ones that often do the best seem to maintain regular interaction with others, typically through increasing their roles at church, attending local sporting events, etc.
My grandparents, being farmers, didn’t believe in retirement unless you were incapable of working any more. Whenever I would question them about it, usually the answer was along the lines of “The Bible doesn’t mention it. Look at Noah, he never stopped working and lived to be over 500 years old!” Sounds like a plan LOL.
We must have the sharpest octogenarian politicians on the planet!
One reason why I’m still working. Don’t need the money. But I have friends, colleagues I worked with through the years, who retired between 10-20 years ago. Three guys with PhDs who now are only halfway engaged in what is going on in the world. Their biggest intellectual endeavors are picking winners in our annual NFL survivor’s pool; who’s a good quarterback; the latest movie on stream; that kind of trivia. Kind of sad, because our conversations now are of limited depth and insight compared to the fireworks we enjoyed in years now past.
The secret is having hobbies while you’re still working, so that you have interests to continue once you’re retired, and don’t sit like a vegetable after retirement, not knowing what to do with yourself.
Video games help as well. You might even enjoy yourself...
:)
I've seen a number of people who retired that died within two years.
I was the first of our group to retire and then warned everyone else about what I experienced when their times came. I thought I was losing my mind. Without the structure I had for 45 years I was discombobulated. It took a couple months before I was back in the groove.
Hubby experienced the same thing.
“Research shows that early retirement can accelerate cognitive decline”
far better to work until you drop with your boots on ... saves SO much Medicare and Social Security money that way ...
(i’ve actually saw that happen to a carpenter where i worked ... an older guy whom everyone loved ...)
I’m writing a book and have a patent in process ...
I retired right on time because everything came into alignment. Didn’t really mean to retire. The first few months I got a lot done around the house I had meant to do for years, but by six months I never knew what day it was because it didn’t matter and I started sleeping more and more.
I said heck with it and got the best job of my entire life.
My plan now is to retire the second time feet-first.
Only semi retired here at 62. Down to only two jobs now.
I’ve definitely noticed that over the years. Even people who have been retired less than a year some noticeably slower.
I’ve definitely noticed that over the years. Even people who have been retired less than a year SEEM noticeably slower. [And, no, I have not retired yet]
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