Health news - Early retirement does not lead to a longer life
28th October 2005 - written by Michael Paterson for Bupa's health information team
Industrial workers who retire at 60 or even 55 do not live longer than those who work until 65, according to new research published in the British Medical Journal.1 These findings contradict the widespread belief that early retirement is associated with longer life expectancy.
How was the study carried out?
The study took place in Texas, USA, over a 26-year period. The research team studied the lives of more than 3500 former employees of Shell Oil, who had retired at the ages of 55, 60 and 65. They also looked at those who were still working at 55 and 60. The employees were defined according to their employment type and included all grades. The study ignored employees who retired early and then died of ill health before their 65th birthday - the normal retirement age for both sexes at that company.1
What did the study show?
The study showed that early retirement at 55 or 60 was not linked to increased survival. Employees who retired at 60 had similar survival to those who retired at 65. In fact, employees who retired at 55 were more likely to die earlier than those who continue to work. The study found that mortality was almost twice as high in the first ten years after retirement at 55, compared with those who stopped working at 60 or 65. Researchers were unable to calculate average life expectancy of workers in the survey because so many were still alive when it ended.1
Were the findings different for men and women?
Yes. Men were more likely to die at a younger age than women, who made up 11 percent of the study group.
What did the researchers conclude?
Death rates improve with increasing age at retirement for people from all socio-economic groups. People who wish to enjoy longer lives should recognise the importance of a healthy active lifestyle, whatever age they choose to retire.
When do men and women retire in the UK?
Government figures show that the average retirement age for men is 62.7 and, for women, 59.7.2
Are people retiring earlier?
Yes. Average retirement age for men is down from 64.6 in 1980 and 67.2 in 1950. For women, it is down from 62.0 in 1980 and 63.9 in 1950.2
What is life expectancy in the UK for men and women?
Life expectancy is increasing for both men and women. The Government's Actuaries Department, which produces official life and death-rate statistics, calculated that a male baby born in 1991 is estimated to have a lifespan of 73.2 years (78.8 for women). This is up from 66.1 (70.9 for women) in 1951 and 50.4 (53.9 for women) in 1911. By 2031 average lifespan is projected to be 79.3 for men and 83.5 for women. However, the average man who had survived to age 60 in 1991 is likely to die aged 77.7 (81.9 for women), rising to 82.5 (85.7 for women) by 2031.3
What effect does retiring have on health?
A major study of British workers found they felt less stressed and more healthy after giving up work, although they mentioned concerns about their health in the future.4 Other studies have found that the effects of retirement are unpredictable.4 Another study listed health as one of six main issues influencing an individual in retirement - the others being attitude, productive use of time, role change, finance and housing.4
If retiring early does not lead to a longer life, what does?
Help the Aged advises:5
- Be positive - a positive outlook boosts the immune system. Living longer is linked to a determination to stay in control.
- Exercise - most retired people do not get enough exercise to help them stay well. The basic rule is to be more active, more often.
- Eat fruit and vegetables - they are nature's anti-ageing remedy, protecting people from many diseases associated with later life.
- Drink more water - many older people are slightly dehydrated, which interferes with digestion and fogs up the brain.
- Keep socially and mentally active - brainpower works best and lasts longer when it is fully stretched regularly.
- Give up smoking - it's the biggest risk factor to retired people after inactivity.
- Get outdoors - this is vital for exercise but also for increasing vitamin-D levels, which can come from exposure to light, especially sunlight. Lack of vitamin D can lead to the development of the brittle-bone condition, osteoporosis.
Popular belief is that married people live longer. Is this true?
Research has suggested that marriage is linked with living longer. If you take a group of adults, seven years later, five percent more of the married ones will still be alive.6 It has been suggested that men cut back on risky activity when they get married.6 However, other studies have suggested marriage does not improve women's life expectancy.6 And the studies only look at association. They don't look at cause and effect.
Bupa Information
Further information
- Help the Aged
020 7278 1114
www.helptheaged.org.uk - British Heart Foundation
020 7935 0185
www.bhf.org.uk
References
- Tsai SP, Wendt JK, Donnelly RP, De Jong G, Ahmed FS. Age at retirement and long-term survival of an industrial population: prospective cohort study. BMJ online 21 October 2005, doi: 10.1136/bmj.38586.448704.E0.
- Meadows P, Retirement ages in the UK: A Review of the Literature. Employment relations Research Series No. 18 Department for Trade and Industry, 2003.
www.dti.gov.uk - Age of retirement and longevity. Pension Provision Taskforce, The Actuarial Profession, 2001.
www.actuaries.org.uk - Pre-retirement Health checks and plans - Literature Review, Health Development Agency (now the National Institute for Health and Clinical Evidence).
- The Biology of Ageing - Living Longer, Living Healthier and Eating Less. Help the Aged, published online.
http://research.helptheaged.org.uk - Wilson C, Oswald A. How Does Marriage Affect Physical and Psychological Health? A Study of the Longitudinal Evidence. 2005. Published online.
www2.warwick.ac.uk
All pages were accessed on 24 October 2005
