Mental Activity and Retirement

• Less depression: An empty retirement can lead to boredom and depression. Engaging mental pursuits can reduce both, making retirement more enjoyable.
• Longer life: Studies have linked brain health with longer life and a better immune system.
• Reduced dementia: Engaging in mentally stimulating activity can help to prevent or slow the course of dementia, memory loss, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
• New sense of identity: Some retirees feel a loss of identity in retirement. Actively engaging in learning and other mentally stimulating activities can help develop a new sense of identity.

Sources of Mental Stimulation in Retirement

• Reading: All types of reading material—novels, nonfiction, magazines—provide mental stimulation that help your mind stay active.
• Games: Board games, card games, crossword puzzles, and other types of games provide mental stimulation and are also fun ways to socialize.
• College classes: If you’ve ever wanted to learn a new language, get a degree, or study something interesting, consider taking a college course.
• Online courses: If your location or physical health prevent you from studying on campus, you can still participate in college-level courses by taking them online. Many colleges and universities offer them.
• Hobbies: Pursuing a new hobby will keep your brain active by forcing you to learn new things. If you join a hobby group, you’ll get the added bonus of meeting people with common interests.
• Volunteer work: Volunteer pursuits of all sorts can be rewarding, provide you with new skills and training, and introduce you to new people.

Avoid Routines