A new study has linked an active social life with improved health among retirees. The study focused on those over 50 with the group split evenly between those that were retired and those that were not. Individuals who took part in social activities centered around groups ranging from organized sports to religious organizations showed a marked decrease in risk of death after six years of retirement. Those that participated in two or more group activities had the lowest risk of all with only %2 dying 6 years after leaving the workforce while those completely estranged from the company of others had a %12 chance. The authors of the study speculated that high levels of group interaction might indicate a healthier lifestyle due to more regular exercise. In addition, the benefits that arise from intellectually stimulating activities can help retirees stave off the cognitive decline that has been associated with suddenly leaving a job. Just goes to show that getting out of the house once and awhile can pay off big for those who don’t plan on going off the mortal coil anytime soon.
See Ariana Eunjung Cha, Joining a book club, church or sports group linked to longer life after retirement, The Washington Post, February 16, 2016.
Special thanks to Lewis Saret for bringing this article to my attention.
