Impact of Retirement on Cognitive Function

Abstract

Abstract. This article reviews the literature and aims at identifying patterns of findings regarding the impact of retirement on cognitive function. A systematic literature search following the PRISMA statement resulted in discovering 20 studies with longitudinal designs. The results revealed negative, null, and positive associations between retirement and cognition. The conflicting results could not be explained by variations in study characteristics (study quality, operationalization of retirement, analytical approach) or cognitive abilities. However, in studies in which occupational experiences were included as a moderator, there was a positive trend for cognitive functioning when retiring from physically demanding jobs. To gain insight into mechanisms behind the relationship between retirement and cognitive functioning, study designs need to take into account the impact of preretirement factors.