Retiring can lead to cognitive decline. This material is in an article I read recently I would like to share that has unpublished data from an ongoing study over the past 20 years in Australia that suggests retiring can lead to cognitive decline. It’s a “if you don’t use it you lose it” thought when it comes to the human brain. Do you have recall issues when someone mentions a song but they don’t know the name of the musical act who made the song and they ask you if you know it, and it’s on the tip of your tongue? How about adding multiple numbers in your head. Did you used to be able to come up with the answer in a finger snap? Both of these things happen to me with more frequency as I get older and I’m not even retired yet. This article and accompanying video by gerontology researcher, Ross Andel, suggest why this happens with people who have retired, especially early in retirement, and how to possibly keep it from happening.
Some of the article is common sense but how many recent retirees keep their brain engaged after retiring or don’t feel the need to? Here’s the original article and the accompanying video link (if you choose to watch) it is a 10 minute watch. Thank you to ideas.ted.com for publishing the article and to Reid Stone for re-publishing, Think retirement is smooth sailing? A look at its potential effects on the brain – ideas.ted.com
And here’s the Youtube link to the video Is retirement bad for your brain? | Ross Andel | TEDxFulbrightCanberra – YouTube
Be well and thrive!
KW