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How to stay mentally sharp after retirement
If asked to describe how they envision retirement , many professionals might reference travel , time spent with grandchildren and various recreational pursuits . Few , if any , would mention cognitive decline . However , cognitive decline poses a significant threat to aging men and women , especially during retirement .
Researchers have long since recognized that certain cognitive abilities begin to decline with advanced age , even among elderly individuals who are healthy . However , despite that decline , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that dementias like Alzheimer ’ s disease are not an inevitable part of aging . In fact , the CDC estimates that as many as 40 percent of dementia cases may be prevented or delayed . In addition , the CDC reports that it ’ s not uncommon for routine memory , skills and knowledge to stabilize or even improve as the brain ages .
That ’ s good news for retirees who want to spend their post-work life pursuing their passions and hobbies . Individuals also can embrace some strategies to stay mentally sharp in retirement .
• Consider delaying retirement . Even if early retirement is a dream , it might be better to work a little longer than you had planned . A 2021 study published in the journal SSM - Population Health found that postponed retirement is beneficial to cognitive function for all genders , races / ethnicities , educational levels , and professional status . The study reported that individuals who waited until age 67 to retire experienced less cognitive decline than those who retired prior to turning 67 .
• Make exercise part of your retirement routine . A lack of structure may seem enticing to individuals who have spent decades working . However , many retirees find that little structure loses it appeal quickly after calling it quits . When creating a new routine in retirement , include regular exercise . According to the Mayo Clinic , studies indicate that people who are physically active are less likely to experience a decline in their mental function . So daily exercise not only gives retirees something to do , but also benefits their brains .
• Enroll in an adult education course . A 2014 study published in the journal JAMA Neurology examined the
association between lifetime intellectual enrichment and cognitive decline in the older population . The study ’ s authors found that higher levels of late-life cognitive activity were associated with higher levels of cognition . The study ’ s authors concluded that lifetime intellectual enrichment might delay the onset of cognitive impairment . Retirees can look into adult learning programs at local colleges and universities to see if anything piques their interest .
Retirement can be everything professionals hope it will be , especially for those who make a concerted effort to maintain optimal cognitive function after they call it a career . n
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