The life and career of Jane Goodall, the famed primatologist and conservationist, offers a striking counterpoint. Goodall remained active and purposeful well into her 90s, making nearly 300 public appearances a year until her death at 91. Her story highlights an overlooked reality: staying engaged in meaningful work in later life may contribute to both longevity and well-being.
Despite increasing life expectancy over the last six decades, the average American retirement age has actually decreased, from 66 in 1962 to just under 65 today. While retiring earlier may seem appealing, studies indicate it could be detrimental to health.
Research shows that delaying retirement can improve physical and cognitive health. A study of more than 83,000 older adults over 15 years found that those who continued working past 65 were up to three times more likely to report being in good health than their retired peers. Other analyses have linked even modest delays in retirement to an 11 percent lower risk of all-cause mortality.
Even as evidence mounts, many Americans resist the idea of extended careers. A recent survey by Corebridge Financial and the Longevity Project found that 73 percent of adults are concerned about working an additional decade to support a longer life, and 81 percent of Generation Z respondents expressed particular apprehension.
Part of the problem lies in how society frames work for older adults. Discussions often emphasize financial necessity, propping up Social Security or retirement funds, rather than the personal and health benefits of continued employment. For many lower-income or blue-collar workers, “retirement” can mean financial stress, isolation, and declining health.Younger generations, in particular, are resistant to the idea of working longer. In a recent survey by Corebridge Financial and the Longevity Project, a striking 81 percent of Generation Z respondents said they were “horrified” by the prospect of adding an extra decade of work.Contrary to popular perception, high-quality work can improve health outcomes in later life. Engaging in meaningful work can maintain cognitive function, increase social interaction, and reduce risks associated with loneliness, a factor strongly correlated with earlier mortality.
While early retirement remains an appealing ideal, research suggests it may come with a hidden health cost. Staying engaged in meaningful work, physically, mentally, and socially, can help ensure not just a longer life, but a healthier, more fulfilling one.