If you’ve ever dreamed about retiring early, here’s another reason to make it happen: new research suggests that stepping away from work sooner might actually help you live longer. According to findings from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), retirement and mortality are closely linked—and retiring earlier could reduce your risk of dying prematurely. The connection isn’t just about age, it’s about how work—or lack of it—shapes your health.
What Happens to Health After You Retire?
Retirement is one of the biggest life transitions a person can face. It’s a time to slow down, shift focus, and ideally enjoy the fruits of years of labor. But researchers have long debated whether leaving work behind is good or bad for your health.
Some worry that retirement leads to social isolation, boredom, and physical decline. But others believe it frees people from stress and gives them more time to take care of themselves. The truth, according to the NBER study, may depend heavily on when—and how—you retire.
The Research: A Closer Look at Timing and Health
The NBER study looked at workers from the Netherlands who were given the option to retire earlier than the standard age due to policy changes. Researchers compared those who took early retirement with those who didn’t—and found a clear difference in mortality rates.
Men who retired earlier were significantly less likely to die in the following years. The study estimated a 2.6 percentage point drop in the probability of dying within five years among early retirees, suggesting a strong causal link between early retirement and improved survival.
Why might this be? The researchers propose several reasons:
- Reduced job-related stress: Many jobs, especially manual or high-pressure ones, take a toll on the body over time.
- More time for health management: Retirees may finally have time to focus on doctor visits, exercise, and meal planning.
- Improved mental well-being: Freedom from job strain can boost mood and lower the risk of stress-related illnesses.
It’s worth noting that this effect was strongest among people who were already at higher risk—those with poorer health or physically demanding jobs. For these individuals, early retirement seemed to offer a life-extending reprieve.
Why Retiring Sooner Might Be Good for You
Beyond the numbers, this research highlights how retirement can open the door to better self-care—if approached mindfully. Early retirees may benefit from:
- Better sleep schedules without the constraints of shift work
- More physical activity, like walking, gardening, or fitness classes
- Stronger social ties, through community involvement or family time
- Reduced exposure to workplace hazards, like heavy lifting or chronic stress
It’s not that work itself is bad—it’s the intensity, environment, and strain that can wear down the body over time. For people who’ve spent decades on their feet, under pressure, or in high-stress roles, early retirement may offer crucial relief.
Making Retirement Work for Your Health
Of course, retirement isn’t a magic fix. What you do after leaving the workforce matters just as much as when you retire. Here’s how to make the most of this new chapter:
- Stay active: Physical movement can be one of the best predictors of healthy aging.
- Find purpose: Volunteering, part-time work, or creative hobbies can help maintain mental sharpness and emotional health.
- Keep social connections strong: Isolation is a health risk at any age. Stay involved with friends, family, or community groups.
- Schedule regular health checkups: Without the routine of employer-provided care, it’s easy to let this slide.
Retirement isn’t just the end of a career—it’s the beginning of a new health chapter. If you can plan for it, retiring earlier might not just feel good—it could be good for your life expectancy, too.
