Retirement 'can take toll' on physical and mental health

Retirement can cause a drastic decline in both mental and physical health, according to a study released today.

The report - Work Longer, Live Healthier: The Relationship Between Economic Activity, Health And Government Policy - said there was a small boost to health immediately after retirement but over the longer term there was a significant deterioration.

The Institute of Economic Affairs and the Age Endeavour Fellowship, who published the study, suggested the Government should help people work longer and raise the state pension ages.

Retirement increases the likelihood of suffering from clinical depression by 40% and the chance of having at least one diagnosed physical condition by about 60%, the report said.

It also suggested that people who are retired are 40% less likely to themselves as being in very good or excellent health.