A new University of Michigan poll finds that while most people who are working after age 50 say staying on the job boosts their physical health and well-being, those over 65 see more dramatic benefits.
The poll of 3,486 U.S. adults aged 50-94 found that 67% of those who continue to work report that their jobs have a positive impact on their physical health, and 71% said work positively impacts their mental health. In addition, 78% said work positively affects their overall well-being.
Workers aged 65 and older were especially likely to say work very positively benefits their physical health, mental health and well-being (32%, 41%, and 39%, respectively) versus those aged 50-64 (14%, 20%, and 21%, respectively).
Among the respondents, 42% of people age 50 and older said they are currently working, including 63% of those age 50-64 and 18% of those aged 65 and up. However, nearly a third of those who are still working said disability, chronic illness or poor health disrupt their ability to stay on the job.
Takeaway
The majority of us who want to work passed the normal retirement age (which the US government currently deems to be 67) can’t due to our physical limitations.
If you think you’ll want to work passed your retirement age, make changes now to ensure you’ll be able to reach this goal. And that means, exercising, getting fit and eating well. Just like saving for your retirement, the earlier you start the greater the benefit.
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