People may spend quite a bit of energy planning and saving for retirement.  However, a new study from France reported in the Washington Post suggests you may want to hold off.  Research done by INSERM, the French government’s health agency, has concluded that people who delayed retirement have less risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia.

“For each additional year of work, the risk of getting dementia is reduced by 3.2 percent,” said Carole Dufouil, a scientist at INSERM.

To read the article, click here.

The theory is that working keeps one mentally sharp – i.e. use it or lose it.  Work can also keep people physically active, another tool for preventing mental decline.  It’s important to follow the advice we give our kids to stop watching TV and get out of the house.  If planning retirement or if retired, it is important to continue to exercise the brain.  Learning new skills, reading, taking a class, and frequent social interaction can contribute to a mentally healthy old age.