August 03, 2026 | Source: VeryWell Health | by Mark Gurarie

According to a study distributed by the National Bureau of Economic Research, working later in life may benefit your brain. Researchers found evidence that early retirement impacts mental function and may lead to cognitive decline.1

What the Study Says

A 2026 working paper (a study that has not undergone rigorous peer review) found that stopping work earlier in life—due to early retirement or job loss—may accelerate cognitive decline. Adults aged 51 to 64 who stopped working experienced faster declines in thinking abilities, such as memory, planning, and language skills.1

The researchers analyzed data from 40,000 adults enrolled in the Health and Retirement Study, measuring the cognitive abilities of adults 51 and older over time. They then looked at local labor markets, regions dominated by certain industries or employers, to identify sudden rises or falls in business that impact employment, known as “demand shocks.”