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One of the many advantages of getting older is the prospect of retirement.
But when, exactly, should you retire?
Anew studysuggests, though, that early pension programs could have a negative impact, particularly on cognitive functioning.
Photo: aletia/Depositphotos
The program started in 2009 and encouraged people to retire soon after turning 60 by offering a stable income.
Now, with over a decade of data, researchers are able to study the effects of this program.
Studying how human capital depreciates over the life cycle has powerful economic consequences.
They gauged cognitive functioning based on two factors: episodic memory and mental intactness.
A main factor, they suggest, is social isolation.
Early retirees reported lower levels of social engagement than their working peers.
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Social engagement and connectedness may simply be the single most powerful factors for cognitive performance in old age.
These results come at a time when many countries are starting to push the retirement age back.
It seems raising life expectancy in China is the main reason.
He claims this change is necessary to keep the pension plan financially viable.
They assert that there are better ways to care for our elderly population.
Policymakers can introduce policies aimed at buffering the reduction of social engagement and mental activities, said Nikolov.
Now, with over a decade of data, researchers are able to study the effects of this program.
They gauged cognitive functioning through a series of tasks.
A main factor, they suggest, is social isolation.
Early retirees reported lower levels of social engagement than their working peers.
Social engagement and connectedness may simply be the single most powerful factors for cognitive performance in old age.
Nikolov and Hossaina assert that there are better ways to care for our elderly population.
Photo: londondeposit/Depositphotos
