One of the most troubling findings about aging has to do with what happens to your health after you retire. While some people find that their bodies and minds thrive in the absence of the stress of work, some 10 to 25 percent experience a significant drop in their health and well-being. In trying to explain the different health trajectories of retirees, scientists are increasingly focusing on social factors. The theory is that social engagement or isolation can affect a person’s cognitive functioning and happiness, which in turn can affect their overall health. In a study published in BMJ Open this week, researchers looked at 848 people 50 or older living in Britain. Half were retiring, while the other half, of similar age and health, were not.

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