Working does make you happy

Wellington, May 18 : People aged over 65, who are still working are more happier than those who have retired, according to kiwi researchers.

The study led by Massey University's school of Psychology surveyed 6662 people aged between 55 and 70 about their transition from work to retirement, and its affects on their health.

Dr Fiona Alpass said data from the first questionnaire indicated those still employed past the age of 65 rated their own mental health higher than those who had stopped working.

"But we don't know yet whether retirement leads to poor mental health or whether poor mental health leads to an early retirement," the NZPA quoted her, as telling Massey News.

"I suspect it is a combination of both, but the data from upcoming questionnaires is needed to confirm that," she added.

Almost half the working respondents admitted that their living standards would decline in retirement, but a large percentage thought they would stay the same.

Alpass said despite the participants' expressing concerns about retirement, a significant number of those still employed had done little by way of retirement planning.

"Planning has mainly consisted of discussing retirement with their spouse or partner," she said.

ANI