In a recent study published in the Washington Post, researchers looked at 848 people, aged 50 or older, living in Britain Half were retiring, while the other half of similar age and health, were not.
The study found that people with a good quality of life before retirement were more likely to have a similar quality of life after retirement.
But there was another very interesting finding: “People who were members of social groups — which could be a sports club, religious organization such as a church, or any other kind of leisure or professional group — had a lower risk of death in the first six years of retirement.”
Those who belonged to two social groups before retirement and continued their activity in these groups had a two percent risk of death in the first six years, five percent if they remained in only one group and 12 percent if they gave up on both groups. This connection between social group membership and risk of death was not seen for those who had not retired.
The researchers calculated that this connection with social groups was as good of a predictor of health after retirement as regular exercise.
To me, this echo’s God’s words from Genesis 2:18 – It is not good for man to be alone. We are made to mix with other people. When we engage with people we are healthier and happier.
It also suggests that the quality of life you are experiencing now is a good indication of what your retirement years will be like. Here’s my suggestion: Get involved in your church, really involved. Begin helping and serving others. This is one of the great functions of the church: To keep our hearts close to God and each other. You will be happier and likely live longer.
