Want to Stay Sharp? Keep Working

Study indicates that working later in life may help Americans stave off cognitive decline

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

A recent National Bureau of Economic Research publication suggests that retirement increases the risk of cognitive decline among Americans aged 51 to 75, while continuing to work may help preserve cognitive function.

The data, culled from 40,000 participants from the University of Michigan’s Health and Retirement Study, was compared with data from the U.S. Census. Copious data has shown a correlation between cognitive decline and retirement.

However, the University of Michigan study identified a causal relationship. And the earlier a person stops working and ceases meaningful mental engagement, the sooner the onset of cognitive decline.

The study proves a sober warning for people who want to ditch their 9 to 5.

In recent years, the number of Gen Xers retiring early has increased. The pandemic spurred a wave of early retirement among older Gen Xers and younger baby boomers who opted out of the workforce for a variety of reasons, from resistance to COVID 19 mandates to the need to provide childcare for their grandkids, to unwanted shifts in their industry. Whatever the reason, early retirement — especially without a plan to promote brain health — can have negative outcomes. Continuing to work or even volunteer is good for human’s brains.

Kim Huels, the manager of Friends of Highland volunteer program affiliated with Highland Hospital, said that volunteers “learn new skills like teaching people how to move as mobility volunteers working with patients who walk independently and need someone as a ‘cheerleader.’”

Learning new skills has been recognized as supporting good brain health.

The type of work or volunteering can make a difference, according to Marla Bruns, PhD, a neurologist with Rochester Regional Health’s Neuroscience Institute, who specializes in memory care, neurology and physical medicine and rehabilitation.

“Stuffing envelopes at home isn’t as beneficial as someone who has skills and helps with digital literacy at the library,” she said. “It keeps your skills up to date and you’re interfacing with people and teaching.”

Employment that includes a social connection, mental stimulation and continuous learning is ideal.

Bruns further explained that these help keep the brain active.

“There have been studies showing a later retirement age can be neuroprotective,” Bruns said. “Any socialization whether paid or volunteer hours is the impetus to be around more people. If the stress of work is causing problems with attention, that can be a problem. If you enjoy work and being around people at work, later retirement can be neuro-protective.”

A job that involves performing a rote task doesn’t create new neural pathways in the brain. It may help to get a different job than before for people whose lifelong employment has been dull.

Staying social is key to reducing dementia risk. During the pandemic, experts including Bruns observed an increase in incidences of dementia. Many people close to retirement chose to retire early because of the pandemic. In addition, a lack of social opportunities further cut people off from interactions.

When one person in a couple dies, the other may be at higher risk for dementia. It’s not only because of the loss of their companion and ensuing depression, which can increase risk for dementia. It’s also because one person is the social navigator who helps the couple stay better connected. When that spouse is gone, the survivor socializes less, even after working through the grieving process.

Usually, one spouse manages the children’s socializing such as playdates, extracurricular activities and many other outings. These adults typically build friendships through those interactions such as other parents doing the same thing.

Of course, a lack of socializing and meaningful work are not the only reasons for developing dementia.

“Everyone comes to my clinic asking the question, ‘What can I do to protect my brain’s health?’” Bruns said. “There’s no magic pill or food. There’s a multi-pronged approach.”

A growing body of medical literature promotes risk reduction including lifestyle habits. Bruns listed as beneficial regular exercise, sufficient sleep, eating a balanced diet and avoiding illicit drugs, tobacco and excessive alcohol. Non modifiable factors are age and, to a small extent, genetics.

“A lot of research has been done on the MIND diet, DASH intervention, and Mediterranean diet,” Bruns said. “These amount to high protein and less carbs, dairy, sweets and red meat. Strive for leafy greens and whole foods. That has the most research in worldwide healthy brain population studies. There’s no magic food that helps. The more processed foods people eat, the less helpful it can be against anti oxidization.”