Retirement, Social Engagement, and Post-Retirement Changes in Cognitive Function.

Objectives: This study examines whether social engagement at the time of retirement is associated with better cognitive function and slower cognitive decline.

Methods: Data come from 10 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, linked with data from the Consumption and Activities Mail Survey (CAMS). Respondents included those who had transitioned from working full-time to partial or full retirement. Social engagement was measured across 5 social activities and grouped into 4 categories.

Results: In fully adjusted regression models, higher frequency of participation in social activities was associated with higher cognitive function at the time of retirement but not with slower cognitive decline after retirement. An increase in social activities after retirement was not associated with better cognitive function or slower cognitive decline.

Discussion: These findings do not offer evidence that higher frequency of social engagement or increases in social engagement after retirement protect against post-retirement cognitive decline.