Retirement is one of those things most people dream about during the grueling years of focusing on career and family, but new studies have shown that maintaining employment past the time of traditional retirement can benefit health and improve quality of life. Retirement
Benefits of Working Past Retirement Age
According to one article, “Retirees who maintained part-time or temporary employment status were found to be less prone to
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Lung disease
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Psychiatric problems
- Arthritis
In addition to these benefits, there are also the advantages of personal satisfaction and improved mental agility, and these don’t take finances into account.
Jobs for Retirees
In today’s gig economy, there are a number of possibilities for those who wish to continue employment without the need to clock in at an office.
1. Freelance Work – While writing and web design are two of the most popular freelance careers, there are many others, including consulting, photography, etc. These jobs permit you to set your own hours and workload, which allow time for family visits, vacations or days to simply sit on the porch and watch the birds. If you have experience in a particular field, it’s easy to get started doing freelance work. A simple internet search for opportunities will yield hundreds of results, and doing something you love offers the benefit of feeling productive and keeping the mind active.
2. Starting Your Own Business – While this may seem a daunting prospect, there are many opportunities out there for those who would like to be their own boss yet still have plenty of time for family and friends. A brick-and-mortar store is, of course, a possibility, but there are other options. Take Amway, for example, they provide a system that is contractual and easy to start, as well as being flexible with working hours.
3. Pet Sitter – If you’re one of those people who loves animals, you can work as a pet sitter. This job provides the companionship of an animal in addition to allowing for plenty of physical movement. Playing fetch or going for long walks provide many health benefits, and having an animal around boosts mood and soothes emotions.
4. Teacher – For those who love to teach, substitute teaching or teaching adult education classes can be a good choice for working after retirement. All those years of working and gaining experience can be passed down to the next generation. Along with social interaction, this is a good field to keep the mind active.
5. Volunteer – Most places have services for those in need, and the institutions offering those services need volunteers. If financial gain isn’t a reason for remaining in the workforce, volunteering can provide all the physical and mental health benefits — staying active, socializing, etc. — of working with the added bonus of helping others.
There are many benefits to working but sometimes it not always possible due to many unpredictable circumstances and you might need some extra cash to live comfortably during retirement. If you find yourself in a financial bind and need more income to help paid all the bills there are alternative solutions that can help you feel more secure such as a reverse mortgage, A reverse mortgage could be beneficial to you in a number of ways because it has no such stringent repayment parameters. In fact, a reverse mortgage lender will provide you with money on an ongoing basis when you take out such a loan. Repayment will not be required as long as you continue to retain home ownership. However, you must live in the home on a regular basis or you will violate the reverse-loan agreement. Reverse mortgage could help to make your retirement years healthier and happier and possible to enjoy your life in your own home without the stress and worry of a strict budget.
Final Word
There are many benefits to continuing in the workforce after retirement age beyond the obvious financial ones. There is improved physical and mental health, a sense of purpose, passing on years of knowledge and experience to others, and plenty of opportunities for a vibrant social life, which prevent the isolation many retirees experience. If you are looking for a job try checking out jobs for retired people that can help guide you to a fulfilling job that fits your needs. Working is good for you entire well-being just as living organically after retirement will help you live a healthier and happier life and longer life.
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I’m retired as of a year and a half ago. Once I settle into my new home (and when we really do get some spring weather!), I plan to start up farming (with chickens and veggies), and I do want to do freelance graphic design, which has been a hobby of mine anyway.
That sounds wonderful. So glad to hear that your retirement has been productive and sounds like you have a great and healthy future. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Have a healthy, happy & blessed day!