New Research Says Early Retirement Could Actually Shrink Your Brain
Retiring early may seem like a dream for those who have grown weary of the workforce. However, a 2026 report from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) says that there may be a hidden risk associated with clocking out early.
And while your first thoughts may turn to losing access to healthcare, or else not having built up enough of a nest egg for early retirement, experts warn that it may actually be your brain that faces the biggest challenges when you retire before the age of 65. Keep reading to find out why this happens and what psychologists say you need to know.
A New Report Says There May Be a Connection Between Early Retirement and Cognitive Decline
An April 2026 report from the NBER (which was revised in May 2026) says that there is evidence that suggests that people who retire prior to the age of 65 could experience an increased rate of cognitive decline.
According to the findings, it looks like men between the ages of 51 and 64 are most at risk, due to the fact that this age group is most likely to be forced into early retirement due to layoffs or economic shifts.
Related: Retirement Shock Is Real-Psychologists Say Most People Never See It Coming
Why Does This Cognitive Decline Happen
According to Dr. Christina Zech, PhD, MBA, and Happiness Coach focused on measurable quality of life and evidence-based wellbeing, early retirement in and of itself isn't an automatic pathway to cognitive decline, but instead what early retirees are replacing their 9-5 jobs with.
"Leaving work can remove daily mental stimulation, structure, challenges, and social interaction," she says. "However, retirement itself is not the problem. Two people can retire at exactly the same age and have completely different outcomes." While she says one may decline mentally, another person could remain cognitively sharp for decades. "The difference is often what they do with the years that follow."
Related: The Reason Men 'Fall Silent' in Retirement Is Actually Heartbreaking
How Can You Prevent Cognitive Decline
Because the decline seems to happen due to a loss of stimulation, Dr. Max Doshay, PsyD, a Clinical Psychologist and Co-Founder & CEO of KMN Psych, says the best way to stave off cognitive issues starts with keeping your mind active.
"Engaging in learning a new skill, volunteering for causes that are important to you, developing or maintaining strong relationships with family members and friends, participating in regular exercise, and pursuing mentally stimulating hobbies all contribute to your ability to remain engaged," Dr. Doshay says. "I would advise retirees to establish a consistent daily schedule to help them feel a sense of accomplishment each day as well as allow them time for their own personal interests and hobbies."
Dr. Zech adds that research also suggests that simply traveling or occasionally looking after grandchildren may not automatically provide enough sustained challenge or purpose, so it's important to expand your activities to something beyond that.
When Should You Retire to Avoid Cognitive Decline
Given the link between early retirement and cognitive decline, it seems only natural to ask at what age is the best time to retire if you want to avoid this situation. According to Dr. Doshay, there isn't a magic number that prevents the onset of cognitive decline. "More important is what one does with one's time once they are retired," he reiterates.
That being said, both experts agree that staying engaged in the world around you is the key to staying healthy, physically and mentally, in retirement. "The goal should not simply be retiring later," Dr. Zech says. "The goal should be building a life worth waking up for after retirement."
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 11:41 AM.