Study: Early retirement accelerates cognitive decline

Early exit retirement may be associated with accelerated age-related cognitive decline. This conclusion was made by scientists Plamen Nikolov and Shahadat Hossein from Binghamton University in the USA.

Within the framework of a large research experts studied data from a unique Chinese pension program, which was introduced in 2009 to combat poverty among the elderly in rural areas. The scientists were able to analyze the health, memory and mindfulness data of those who used the early retirement plan with those who are still working at age 60.

Participants in early retirement experienced a decrease in social activity in subsequent years, which directly affected cognitive indicators: memory, attentiveness, imagination, and logic. Long-term memory suffered especially strongly - this symptom often becomes a harbinger dementia. Among women, this was much more common.

At the same time, it turned out that early retirement in general has a positive effect on health. On a well-deserved rest, people begin to drink alcohol and smoke less often, sleep better.

Summing up, Nikolov notes that, in general, early retirement is more beneficial for health. And to avoid negative consequences, you just need to maintain social and physical activity - less stay at home and communicate more.