Whilst it’s a common work-place gibe that everybody is counting the days until retirement, the notion of reaching age 66 and removing oneself to a quiet life of pub gardens seems to be fading.
Bupa’s latest Wellbeing Index for 2025 has found that a growing number of people in Britain are choosing to work for longer, into their seventies and eighties, to combat age-related health issues such as dementia and loneliness.
The report, examining data collected from 8,000 adults, shows that one in four over-55s believe working past their retirement age will promote longevity by keeping their brains active. According to the figures, around 13 per cent of those over the age of 50 have returned to work since their retirement and felt a stronger sense of purpose, as well as improved mental and physical health.
Bupa’s lead behavioural insights specialist Rex Fan said that working “strengthens and builds the neurological pathways in our brains” lowering the risk of conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
He added, “Keeping ourselves mentally challenged is crucial for building brain capacity and cognitive reserve, also known as neuroplasticity. Our brain is like a muscle so the more we challenge it the better, helping build strength that directly impacts our brain and mind.”
State pension age is set to rise from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and then again to 68 between 2044 and 2046.
Director of the Work Foundation at Lancaster University Ben Harrison commented that workplaces should be considering the implementation of policies such as offering sabbaticals to account for the fact that “we will all be working for more years than previous generations”.
He added that additional support was needed to enable older workers in manual labour industries to shift careers as they grow older.
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