Men Who Work in Retirement Seem Happier

Sept.30, 2025 – It seems counterintuitive – so many people really look forward to their retirement. Yet when they finally get there, many not only keep working, but they seem happier than their non-working peers. That is the suggestion from a recent study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies. The finding applies to men more than women, and applies to people with both high and lower incomes. Even part time work seems to create more happiness than no job at all. Volunteer work can have the same effect.

Benefits of Working Past Retirement

The study suggests a variety of reasons why men who work in retirement display higher levels of happiness than those who are not working:

Men are conditioned by society to believe they are the providers.

Work can be conducive to both mental and physical health.

Having a job and responsibilities gives people a purpose.

Part time work, or a new kind of job, can ease the transition from employment to retirement.

Men tend to have fewer social connections outside of work, so those with a job have more interactions.

Economic necessity is usually the reason why lower earners work in retirement. Those who have higher incomes are more likely to be motivated by personal satisfaction with their work, along with a good paying job.

Comments: Are you working past when what you thought would be your retirement age? If so, what kind of work are you doing? Do you think it gives you more satisfaction than not retiring. Let us know in the Comments section below.