The idea that people may decline sooner after retirement is a topic that has been studied and debated, and while it’s not universally true, there are some factors that may contribute to this perception.
Here’s a top 10 list of reasons why this might seem to happen:
- Loss of Purpose
Many people derive a strong sense of identity and purpose from their work. Retirement can lead to a sudden loss of structure and meaning. - Reduced Social Interaction
Work often provides daily social contact. Without it, some retirees may experience loneliness or isolation, which can negatively impact health. - Sedentary Lifestyle
Retirement can lead to a decrease in physical activity, especially if the job was physically engaging. - Mental Health Decline
Depression and anxiety can increase after retirement, particularly if the transition is not well planned or welcomed. - Chronic Health Conditions
Some people retire due to declining health, which may already put them at higher risk of mortality. - Financial Stress
Worries about money after retirement can cause stress, which is linked to various health issues. - Lack of Routine
A structured daily routine helps regulate sleep, diet, and activity. Losing that can disrupt healthy habits. - Substance Use
Some retirees may turn to alcohol or other substances to cope with boredom or emotional distress. - Cognitive Decline
Without regular mental stimulation, cognitive abilities may decline more rapidly. - Healthcare Access
Depending on the country or insurance situation, retirees may face reduced access to healthcare services.
I used to run a large social meetup group based on the F.I.R.E. movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early). Part of the foundations of Financial Independence (FI) that allow you to retire far earlier (Many in their 30’s-40’s) than traditional budgets and retirement plans would allow. The movement is about making small optimizations in your lifestyle and simple index fund investing – giving you the freedom to live your happiest most satisfying life, pursue your dreams and ambitions on your own schedule, all without being tied down to a traditional 9 to 5 job for 40+ years.
F.I.R.E. doesn’t always mean that you must quit your job. It just means that your job needs you more than you need them. This gives you an upper hand to be able to negotiate things like your hours, vacation time, or even a better job. Early retirement can also mean quitting any job that you wouldn’t do for free – but then continuing right ahead with work in something that you enjoy and under your own terms. I always like to say the R and E in F.I.R.E. means “Relax Early.” since I will likely never retire with all that I do with side hustles and consulting – besides my day job – The key is the freedom you get when you reach FI.
Many of the concerns you write about are the ones we would discuss in our monthly meetups. People look forward to a life of retirement and sitting on the beach, sipping drinks out of a coconut and enjoying a carefree lifestyle – but that can actually get boring pretty quickly. For the many of the reasons you listed, I have not stopped working myself and will likely keep working for a long time, but having the flexibility to work when I want, where I want and not having the stress of worrying about the job are a great retirement alternative. I keep active doing work I enjoy, while not having to worry about being unhappy in a job or an arbitrary retirement age.
Many who follow F.I.R.E. also consider many “mini-Retirements” where they work for some passive income and take mini-retirements for a year or two at a time, then return to work some when they get bored.
I suggest many visit the concept of F.I.R.E. and rethink traditional work and retirement and then find things they truly enjoy in life and do it on their own terms.
Thanks for sharing this, really appreciate the thoughtful perspective. I like how you framed F.I.R.E. not just as early retirement, but as having the freedom to work on your own terms. That mindset shift, where the job needs you more than you need it is powerful.
The idea of “Relax Early” and mini-retirements is a great reminder that purpose doesn’t stop at a certain age or income level. It’s all about finding balance and doing work that feels meaningful.
Glad to have your voice in the conversation—it adds a lot.