What is the Ideal Retirement Age?

As we step into 2024, it’s essential to reevaluate our perspectives on retirement, especially considering the increase in average life expectancy. When Social Security was established in 1935, the retirement age was set at 65, a time when fewer people lived long enough to reach it. Today, with life expectancy in the U.S. at 76, the question of the ideal retirement age has become more significant.

Health-Span and Cognitive Capabilities in the Modern Workforce

We should shift our focus from life span to ‘health-span’ – the years we live healthily and without disability. Research indicates that Americans who are healthy at 50 can expect approximately 23 more years free of disability. With about 45% of the American labor force in knowledge-based fields, where cognitive functions remain strong into the 70s, a retirement age under 65 is increasingly questionable.

The Impact of Work on Mental and Physical Health

Staying in the workforce can maintain and strengthen cognitive processes, and some studies even show that delaying retirement decreases the risk of death, regardless of pre-retirement health. This is attributed to the physical activity and social interactions that work provides. However, the story isn’t the same for everyone. For those in physically demanding jobs, retirement can lead to better health outcomes.

Considering Equity in Retirement Decisions

National averages don’t reflect the diverse experiences across different demographics. It’s crucial to recognize that raising the retirement age won’t affect everyone equally, and policies should account for differences in race, gender, and job nature. The original goal of Social Security was to support people who could no longer work physically, but it’s also worth considering if rewarding individuals with leisure years in good health should be a national objective. As we embrace the new year, let’s ponder these aspects to create a retirement system that’s fair and beneficial for all.  🎉🌟

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/03/well/live/retirement-age-health.html