Recent research suggest that those who retire later (after age 62) show lower rates of dementia. This makes sense since work keeps us physically and mentally active and tends to increase our social interactions. Being active and social is know to reduce the incidence of dementia. Does that mean you should plan to retire at 80? No...(although some do...)
But when you retire plan to keep working, doing the things you like to do. Volunteer for your favorite organization or community, exercise daily, keep social contacts going, and keep learning. Past research shows that learning new things is an effective way for seniors to keep their brains healthy.
Not all of us are near retirement, but we can all choose to learn (and keep our brains active). Most jobs and hobbies offer opportunities for learning, so it's just a matter of making learning a priority. Learning new areas of expertise at our work makes us a more valuable employee (and better able to find a new job should we need to). Once study suggests that learning something after doing at least 50 minutes of aerobic exercise that day makes learning last longer and encourages growth of brain cells.
So learn to cook, juggle, play a game,... Or learn a new language. Whether you're still working or are retired, you can choose what to learn and what to do that will improve your health.
Note: Research cited comes from the Alzheimer's Neuroscience conference that took place in Boston, MA from July 13-18, 2013.
