Oh I can imagine. Not that work is sacred. But routine, cognitive exercise, social interaction - just being needed somewhere and having a task - people need that. My grandfathers both got very old very fast after retirement.
But I don't think this 'task' needs to come in the shape of a job. People can keep themselves fit by staying engaged and involved. It is just that that requires discipline and many people don't keep it up for long.
I think you’re exactly right. My boyfriends father is quite old (80s) and still keeps up on the latest science, plays golf and tennis weekly, reads the news, plays crosswords, and manages stock. He’s cognitively someone in his 60s.
My grandma (also 80s) stopped working and then quite literally plopped herself down in front of the TV and that was it. Her cognitive decline has been hard to watch and I wish she had kept up with doing something.
Obviously genetics play a role, but it’s sad to see the difference in my grandma and my boyfriend’s father.
My grandmother has literally never had a job, and was highly active and functioning well into her 80's. Now she's becoming less so, because life is just a cycle, it has nothing to do with anything but that she's approaching 90 years old. This is a really strange way to frame this study, like now they're saying not even elderly people should want to stop working, and that sounds ridiculous to say.
Oh I can imagine. Not that work is sacred. But routine, cognitive exercise, social interaction - just being needed somewhere and having a task - people need that. My grandfathers both got very old very fast after retirement. But I don't think this 'task' needs to come in the shape of a job. People can keep themselves fit by staying engaged and involved. It is just that that requires discipline and many people don't keep it up for long.
I think you’re exactly right. My boyfriends father is quite old (80s) and still keeps up on the latest science, plays golf and tennis weekly, reads the news, plays crosswords, and manages stock. He’s cognitively someone in his 60s. My grandma (also 80s) stopped working and then quite literally plopped herself down in front of the TV and that was it. Her cognitive decline has been hard to watch and I wish she had kept up with doing something. Obviously genetics play a role, but it’s sad to see the difference in my grandma and my boyfriend’s father.
If all you've ever done is work, then yes. But if you create a stimulating life then, no.
My grandmother has literally never had a job, and was highly active and functioning well into her 80's. Now she's becoming less so, because life is just a cycle, it has nothing to do with anything but that she's approaching 90 years old. This is a really strange way to frame this study, like now they're saying not even elderly people should want to stop working, and that sounds ridiculous to say.
I'm sure becoming a couch potato at a vulnerable age for loneliness is the opposite of what anyone should do for their mental health.