“A golden retirement in the sun,” “Freedom 55,” “Bye-bye, boss!”… These expressions, once synonymous with an ideal retirement, are no longer unanimously accepted. More and more Quebecers are choosing to return to work after retiring. In Canada, approximately one third of retirees are re-entering the job market, a growing trend.
Why this return to work? While some individuals are forced into it for financial reasons or to alleviate a labour shortage, others do so out of desire: a need for recognition, socialization, or self-improvement. What if, beyond obligations, work after retirement was also a lever for longevity and well-being?
WORK AFTER RETIREMENT: AN ASSET FOR HEALTH?
The World Health Organization recognizes that work is a determinant of health. Studies also show that remaining professionally active after retirement improves physical and mental health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and dementia. But be careful: these benefits only appear if the working conditions are favourable. In recent years, my research team and I have conducted studies to better understand the impact of returning to work after retirement on people’s health.
A BALANCE BETWEEN BENEFITS AND RISKS
Returning to work after retirement can offer many advantages. It promotes an active lifestyle, which can prevent physical and cognitive decline. It also helps you keep your mind sharp, feel useful, maintain a routine, and cultivate social ties, all favourable elements for mental health. Many retired people who return to work mention feeling greater motivation on a daily basis and personal satisfaction related to their contribution to society.
However, it’s not all sunshine and roses. Older adults are more likely to suffer injuries or experience pain related to their work, especially when they occupy a position that differs from the one they held during their career. As “new recruits” in a field, they need to learn new tasks, which can cause stress and anxiety. Age-related stigma is also an issue: feeling judged or left out can negatively impact self-esteem and mental health.
THE KEYS TO FULFILLING WORK FOR RETIREES
Certain conditions result in a beneficial work experience after retirement:
A FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTED SCHEDULE
Part-time work is often perceived as more pleasant. It helps maintain a balance between activities and free time. Some people opt for seasonal or contract work, which allows them to combine work and leisure. This balance is essential to avoid excessive stress, which could harm the health benefits of work.
REALISTIC PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The employment must take the normal aging process into account and not require more than the person can reasonably accomplish without compromising their health. Adjustments, such as adapted workstations or regular breaks, should be privileged. Work that respects physical abilities can help preserve mobility and prevent chronic pain—two factors associated with better quality of life.
POSITIVE MOTIVATIONS
Retirees who return to work for pleasure or fulfillment are in better health than those who return to it out of financial necessity. Income-related stress can force some retirees to accept precarious or full-time jobs, which is harmful to their well-being. Work chosen for pleasure stimulates better mental and emotional health.
A REWARDING WORK ENVIRONMENT
Recognition of the skills and contributions of older workers plays a crucial role. Feeling that your experience is appreciated and that you have a place on the team contributes to satisfaction and mental health. Frequent social interactions are also a key factor in longevity, reducing the risk of isolation and depression.
WORKING WITH DIFFERENT GENERATIONS: BETWEEN CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY
Today, up to five generations coexist in the workforce, from baby boomers to generation alpha. This diversity can be a source of enrichment, but also of tension.
On one hand, intergenerational collaboration promotes the sharing of knowledge and the transmission of expertise. Many retirees find great satisfaction in mentoring and supporting younger people. On the other hand, differences in values, priorities, and working methods can generate misunderstandings and stress.
Companies that encourage intergenerational collaboration by implementing mentorship and job shadowing programs between younger and older people create a climate conducive to the transmission of knowledge and the recognition of experience. A work environment where exchange is valued promotes a positive attitude toward aging and longevity.
Work after retirement isn’t all black or all white. If properly supervised, it can provide meaning, dynamism, and quality of life to the retirees who choose to return to it. Beyond a simple occupation, it can be a real factor in longevity by stimulating the body and mind and strengthening social ties. Rather than viewing retirement as an end in itself, why not see it as a transition to a new way of being active, fulfilled, and healthy? What if working after retirement was ultimately one of the secrets to living better and longer?
Sources
Lecours, A. and Bédard-Mercier, R. (2023). “L’expérience de retour au travail des personnes vieillissantes ayant subi une atteinte à la santé : un examen de la portée.” Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement 42(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0714980822000095
Lecours, A. and Robitaille, R. (2020). “Comment le travail après la retraite influence-t-il la santé des travailleurs vieillissants ? Un examen de la portée.” Recueil annuel d’ergothérapie 12, 36-46.
Lecours, A., Lord, M. M., Negrini, A., and Robitaille, R. (2019). “How does returning to work after retirement influence older workers’ health? A scoping review protocol.” BMJ Open 9(3), 026446. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026446
