More people are working into their retirement years, and that’s a good thing. I am! Here’s why:
If you want to be stronger, use your muscles more. That seems obvious. But what about that muscle between your ears? The same holds true. The more you use your brain, the better it will function, especially as you get older.
This study explains:
Researchers interested in this concept stated in their report that, “There is a growing body of research suggesting that more stimulating lifestyles, including more complex work environments, are associated with better cognitive outcomes in later life.” One reason might be that more stimulating work and lifestyle habits increase “cognitive reserve,” which subsequently protects against the effects of both normal and pathological aging on the brain.
To learn more, the researchers analyzed how the different occupations of 1,066 men and women affected their IQs at age 70, as well as their general cognitive ability, memory, and processing speed. They discovered that “complexity of work with people and data were associated with better cognitive performance at age 70.” So, what kind of complexity are they talking about?
They found that two types of complex jobs lead to longer-lasting memory and cognitive ability years after retirement. One is working at a high level with data. The other is working at a high level with other people on tasks like teaching, negotiating, and mentoring. According to the lead author of the study, the theory is that more stimulating work environments may help people retain these mental skills.
The most complex jobs involving data include: architect, civil engineer, graphic designer, and musician. The least complex jobs involving data include: construction worker, telephone operator, and food server. The most complex jobs involving working with other people include: surgeon, lawyer, social worker, and probation officer. The least complex jobs involving other people include: factory worker, painter, carpet layer, and bookbinder.
So, if you are looking at a career change, it looks like something that involves working with either a high level of data or people interaction would be a good idea. And if you are about to retire, work on lifestyle habits that incorporate these concepts. Notice that other than surgeons, doctors are not mentioned here, whereas musicians are. I guess that means I am going to have to get out that ukulele more often.
Yours for better health,
Frank Shallenberger, MD
REF: Smart EL, Gow AJ, et al. Occupational complexity and lifetime cognitive abilities. Neurology. 2014 Dec 9;83(24):2285-91.