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I think about retirement every day — just not mine. Retiring is not something I’ve ever been interested in doing. However, my husband looks forward to a day that doesn’t begin with an alarm clock going off at 4:30 a.m. and when he has time to pursue hobbies.

As his retirement crawls ever closer, interacting with brokerages is part of my everyday life. You’d think all this planning would make me second-guess my decision, but it hasn’t. Here’s why.

1. Less risk of cognitive decline

Studies indicate that people who “use it don’t tend to lose it.” Well, not at the same rate, anyway.

Postponing retirement until age 67 or later helps protect you against cognitive decline, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The National Institute on Aging states, “Previous research has indicated that people with complex jobs have better cognitive function as they age and a lower risk of dementia.”

In other words, the more people use their brains on the job, the more they appear to be protected against cognitive and memory problems that may arise as they age.

There are few absolutes in this world, and I know there are exceptions. We all know or have heard of a brilliant scholar who suffered from dementia. We all know someone who retired young but remains sharp as a tack. And honestly, I suspect that retiring early and taking on a new challenge may be just as protective. Still, it’s something that concerns me.

My dad was one of the most intellectually curious, intelligent people I’ve ever known, and watching that curiosity slip away from him as he fought vascular dementia haunts me. If continuing to research and write helps stave off dementia even a little, I’m going to give it all I’ve got.

2. Better chances of a longer life

According to Harvard Health, studies have linked working past traditional retirement age with better health and longevity. Another study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health followed approximately 3,000 people for years. Their research suggests that working even one year beyond retirement age is associated with a 9% to 11% lower risk of dying during the 18-year study period — regardless of the participant’s health.

Further, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study of 83,000 older adults found that, compared to their peers who’d retired, people who worked past age 65 were about three times more likely to report being in good health. They were also about half as likely to have serious health problems like heart disease or cancer.

I should admit something here: As my husband and I took the dogs on a walk last night, I told him about my deep dive into this research. It occurs to me that it may be a matter of “the chicken or the egg.” Were these folks able to work longer because they entered their 60s in better health, or did working longer keep them physically healthy?

Despite never wanting to retire, I’ve never had a desire to live forever. My dream is to remain relatively healthy, though. If there’s any chance that remaining on the job helps me maintain my health, I’m going to give it a shot.

3. More social engagement

My family has moved many times. I’m forever leaving people behind and starting over again. Depending on where we live, making friends may be as easy as joining a club, or it may take a long time. I can honestly say I don’t have a single friend in this town — yet. It’ll happen, but it’s taking its sweet time.

Although I primarily talk to my coworkers at The Ascent via texts, online, or Zoom calls, after 5 1/2 years of writing here, I’ve gotten to know some of my coworkers pretty well. It may be because they’re all younger, but they keep me informed and engaged. I can’t imagine trading this experience for anything.

In addition to remaining socially engaged, working allows me to double down on investing for the future. If you’re beginning an investment journey, check out these IRAs that are among our favorites.

4. I’ve finally hit my stride

Have you ever heard a woman say that she feels invisible? I’m here to testify. Just as my friends warned me would happen, I officially became invisible one day in my 40s. Not only did construction guys stop ogling me (how rude!), but slowly, it began to dawn on me that I was being underestimated.

After decades of writing everything, from novels to newspaper and magazine articles, I’ve hit my stride. I’m wise enough to know my strengths and how I can benefit a publication, but I’m not too proud to ask questions when necessary. Just as importantly, I’m still wild about the work I do. Why would I give up work when it still sparks me with joy?

5. I want to be able to ride out bear markets

Bull and bear markets are part of life and as normal as the ebb and flow of the tides. I love it when we’ve got a good bull market going and my investments thrive, but I also know that a bear market will come along. It’s simply a fact of life.

I never want to pull more than is legally mandated from our retirement accounts while stocks are tanking. Those are the months we should spend scooping up bargain investments. For me, working means protecting our finances when stocks spiral downward. Making money should allow me to ride out bear markets without further depleting our savings.

Based on the horrified expressions on my friends’ faces when I tell them I don’t care to retire, I realize that I’m in a minority, and that’s OK. The best any of us can do is make choices that seem wise and feel right.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Dana George has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Flow. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.