What's That Rash? Is retirement bad for you?
Jan 20, 2026
The discussion reveals how retirement can accelerate cognitive decline, challenging the notion that quitting work is universally beneficial. Historical insights link retirement to life expectancy changes and job complexity impacts mental health. Factors like selection bias and job types play crucial roles in how retirement affects individuals. International comparisons indicate that early retirement may lead to cognitive loss. The hosts also highlight the importance of engaging in stimulating activities post-work to maintain mental fitness.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Dog Grooming After Retirement
- Tony retired then became a professional Bernese Mountain Dog groomer to stay active and useful.
- Tegan praises that kind of varied, social, physical work as brain-protective.
Retirement Often Speeds Cognitive Decline
- Retirement is generally associated with faster cognitive decline, especially in memory and processing speed.
- Norman Swan highlights that staying in cognitively demanding roles delays that decline.
How Modern Retirement Began
- Otto von Bismarck introduced government pensions in the 1880s to support disabled older people.
- Tegan explains early retirement ages were set when life expectancy was much lower than today.