Mentally Challenging Jobs may Preserve Brain Power 15 Years After Retirement

A recent study examines the importance of having a mentally-stimulating job. 

According to researchers from Colorado State University's Gwen Fisher, critical skills used every day in the office are essential to long-term cognitive function.

"People who were engaged in work characterized as mentally challenging scored better on a measure of cognitive [thinking] ability, both before and after retirement," Fisher told HealthDay.

For the study, Fisher examined 4,200 patients, all a minimum age of 51. Every two years, the subjects were interviewed regarding their jobs--"developing objects and strategies, making decisions, solving problems, evaluating information and thinking creatively," according to HealthDay.

Findings showed that those who had more mentally stimulating jobs typically had better memory following retirement. Though cognitive differences were not so significant following all those at retirement, the gap grew larger as participants continued to age. In fact, those who had more mentally stimulating jobs scored 50 percent higher on mental assessments than those who did not.

"Much like muscles on our body, if you use the brain you strengthen it, and if you don't, it can atrophy," Fisher concluded.

What do you think?

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology.