Your Brain On

Your Brain On... Retirement

Jun 26, 2024

Discover how retirement can impact cognitive function and brain health, with insights on building cognitive reserve. Explore international variations in retirement transitions, the role of education in shaping cognitive health, and the influence of Artificial Intelligence on job sectors. Hear from experts on the future of neuroscience research in retirement.

48:01

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Quick takeaways

Retirement can trigger cognitive decline or growth based on individual experiences and occupational demands.

Engaging in mentally stimulating work and activities post-retirement can build cognitive reserve and enhance brain health.

Deep dives

The Evolution of Retirement as a Social Milestone

Retirement has evolved over the years, becoming a significant milestone influenced by cultural and social changes. In the late 1800s, retirement emerged as a defined chapter in life, altering brain functioning. Scientific advancements now help us understand the impacts of retirement on cognitive health. The diversity of retirement experiences, whether chosen or due to circumstances, affects post-retirement cognitive function and brain structure.

Intro

2min

Effects of Retirement on Cognitive Function and Brain Health

18min

Understanding Cognitive Reserve and its Impact on Aging and Neurological Diseases

8min

Exploring International Variations in Retirement Transitions and Research Data Availability

2min

Building Cognitive Reserve and Brain Health in Retirement

10min

Exploring the Social and Cognitive Impacts of AI on Job Sectors

2min

Future of Neuroscience Research and Retirement

5min

Retirement, often considered a period of late-life decline, can actually be a time of cognitive growth and prosperity.

When we retire, all the neurologically stimulating aspects of our working life — the mental and physical challenges, socializing and strategizing with colleagues, etc. — can disappear overnight.

An abrupt lifestyle change of this magnitude can be taxing for our brains, but with the right preparation, our twilight years can truly be the best of our lives.

In this episode of ‘Your Brain On…’, we discuss:

• The neurological impacts of retirement

• What we can learn from how different cultures approach retirement

• How building our cognitive reserve can protect our brains as we age

• The future of research into the neuroscience of retirement

• Why minority populations often disproportionately struggle with retirement

We’re joined by FOUR experts in the field of cognitive aging:

DR. YAAKOV STERN: professor of neuropsychology at Columbia University, and a pioneer of the concept of cognitive reserve

DR. AMANDA SONNEGA: Research Scientist at the University of Michigan

DR. SHERVIN ASSARI: Director of Research, Public Health at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science

DR. ALAN GOW: head of The Ageing Lab at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.