Does Retiring at 55 Help You Live Longer? Here’s What the Research Says

Video Description

Does retiring early really make you live longer — or is this just another viral myth? A widely shared chart claims that workers who retire at 50 live decades longer than those who retire at 65… even suggesting that “every year you work after 55 costs you two years of life.” In this video, we break down where that chart came from, why Boeing publicly debunked it, and what the actual research on retirement age and longevity really shows. Using data from Social Security, peer-reviewed health studies, and global retirement research, we explore the real factors that influence lifespan, health span, and life satisfaction in retirement. You’ll learn why early retirement often reflects poor underlying health — not longer life — and why later retirement is frequently associated with better baseline health rather than improved longevity. We also review major findings on mental health, depression, cognitive function, and happiness after retirement, including the powerful role of purpose, autonomy, and social connection. Whether you’re planning for early retirement, deciding when to claim Social Security, or simply trying to build a longer and healthier life, this video cuts through fear-based financial narratives and replaces them with clear, evidence-based guidance. The goal isn’t to find a “magic retirement age”—it’s to help you design a retirement plan grounded in your health, your purpose, and your financial reality. If you’re serious about retirement planning, financial independence, or maximizing your health span, this is a must-watch. 00:00 Intro: Questioning the Retirement Narrative 01:17 Boeing’s Actuaries Step In — The Data Problem 02:35 Statistical Red Flags in Retirement Research 04:00 When Narrative Spin Is Treated as Science 04:43 A Framework for Questioning Retirement Claims 05:42 What Actually Drives a Long, Healthy, Happy Retirement 11:20 How to Design Your Own Retirement Timeline 13:41 Key Questions to Design Your Retirement Path 14:31 The Bottom Line on Retirement Planning 15:02 A Personal Note: Why I Make These Videos Sources: (Lewin & Stier, 2025) — working after retirement age and well-being https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-025-00942-z Filomena et al., 2023) — meta-analysis of retirement & health outcomes https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3900864 Quality-of-life / mixed-outcome retirement research (Vigezzi et al., 2025) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S027795362500379X Boeing: https://dn720001.ca.archive.org/0/items/boeing-lets-retire-the-rumor-about-life-expectancy-7.30.2004/Boeing%20Let%27s%20Retire%20the%20Rumor%20About%20Life%20Expectancy%20-%207.30.2004.pdf Meme: https://ex-ponent.com/does-retiring-early-mean-living-longer/ Some of my favorite books: https://amzn.to/3KF3tlr Camera & equipment I use: https://amzn.to/3Z20lof Disclaimer: Please note that this video is made for entertainment purposes only and not to be taken as financial advice. Always make sure to do your own research. Join the family & subscribe to my channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ErinTalksMoney Thanks for watching, I appreciate you!