Retirees reap health benefits from employment

A new a report in the Journal of Occupational Health and Psychology reveals evidence that working part-time in retirement can improve health. Retirees who remained in the workforce but reduced their hours reported fewer major health problems while remaining self-sufficient longer than retirees who stopped working entirely.

Retirees who saw health benefits by working longer held part-time jobs, took temporary positions or became self-employed. Researchers involved in the study attributed this health benefit to the physical and mental activities and social contact associated with the workplace.

According to Kenneth Shultz, a coauthor of the report, “Choosing a suitable type of bridge employment will help retirees transition better into full retirement and in good physical and mental health.”