The results? Although having a job is not necessarily associated with better brain health, factors that tend to be associated with a job, especially social engagement, are. In particular, researchers link the deterioration of cognitive functions in late adulthood with a decrease in social activity, volunteering and other activities that contribute to mental acuity.

“We found the most significant effect of the program on delayed recall, a cognitive measure associated with the onset of dementia,” they note.

Another study conducted in 2021 echoes this finding, stating that retired participants were more likely to experience cognitive decline than non-retired participants3— but this is research also notes that retirees tend to be older and non-retired participants are more likely to exercise regularly, which may contribute to these results.

As we mentioned earlier, these studies don’t say that working full-time forever is good, so don’t force yourself to work when you’re 80. However, it does show that the benefits of regular work (such as social engagement and focus) will have a positive impact on your brain health and memory.

However, you can take advantage of these benefits and continue your education in one form or another, be it a hobby, a class, a part-time job, volunteer work, etc.