Retirement is often seen as a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of one’s labor. However, a new study suggests that continuing to work in later life may actually benefit your well-being, especially if you are a man.
According to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), more and more people are choosing to work beyond the traditional retirement age. In fact, the percentage of 65 to 69 year olds still in the workforce has nearly doubled in the last two decades. But what impact does this have on their happiness?
Researchers Alisa Lewin from the University of Haifa and Haya Stier from Tel Aviv University delved into this question by analyzing social survey data from Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics. They focused on over 3300 women and 2000 men who had reached retirement age and found some interesting results.
It turns out that men who continued to work full-time, especially those with lower household incomes, reported higher levels of economic, family, emotional, and general life satisfaction compared to those who had retired. This held true regardless of the type of work they were doing. On the other hand, women only experienced improvements in family and economic satisfaction if they held professional, technical, or managerial positions.
The researchers speculate that women may find fulfillment and purpose from sources other than work, such as social engagement or emotional support. In contrast, men may still hold onto traditional notions of providing for their families and achieving success in their careers even past the age of 65.
However, the picture was more nuanced for those working part-time, with satisfaction levels varying based on job type, gender, and initial well-being. It’s important to note that these findings may not be generalizable to other countries or cultures.
In conclusion, while retirement may offer a well-deserved break, staying engaged in work could bring unexpected benefits, particularly for men. Whether it’s a sense of purpose, financial security, or simply enjoying the daily routine, continuing to work in later life may not be such a bad thing after all.
