Work, Retirement and Longevity

I got an article in the EMail from my youngest Brother, which he had gotten from Pacific Stars and Stripes, which I figured I would not be able to link to. However, voila--here it is.

I figured this might explain more fully why The New Englander is getting out of the Navy and moving to the Reserve Component (RC) of the Army. Here is the meat of the story:

In any given year, looking at populations of non-disabled military retirees age 60 and older, the death rate for active duty enlisted retirees is 20 to 25 percent higher than for reserve enlisted retirees. Active duty officer retirees who are 60 and older die in numbers roughly 10 percent higher than retired reserve peers.

The good news is here:

All retired officers, and retired reserve enlisted members, still live a few years longer, on average, than the general population. But for retired active duty enlisted, it’s about even with other Americans.

When I retired from the Air Force, some 15 years ago, the story was that those who stay for 30 years (normal maximum retirement), the life expectancy is much shorter than for those who get out before 30. Thus, I didn't stay for the full 30, but got out a few months early.

It may be that people work hard right up to the point of retirement, retire, do nothing and then quickly move on to the post-retirement phase of the existence.

In the ensuing EMail exchange my Brother reminded me about a Boeing study: "I think that was what drove the results in the Boeing study that showed employees who retired at 65 only drew a pension check for 18 months."

So, here is to a long life for The New Englander.

Regards -- Cliff