A study has concluded that the potential health benefits of working beyond state pension age (SPA) depend in part on a retiree's socioeconomic status.

Around 25% of women and 15% of men in the sample group were in paid work beyond SPA. Those in paid work were found more likely to report better general health (lower reported depression, better sleep and good somatic health) than those not working. However, these health benefits not so prevalent once certain socioeconomic factors were taken into account. This prompted the authors of the study to conclude that "those who report good health and are more socioeconomically advantaged are more likely to be working beyond SPA to begin with."

 

An approach to Stress Management based on yoga, provides mental health benefits “above and beyond" more established cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approaches, according to a recent study of healthcare staff.

The study found that a group of healthcare professionals taking part in an eight-week yoga programme increased their levels of physical activity and overall mental health at a higher level than those on a CBT programme. Both groups however, also experienced a range of other mental and physical wellbeing benefits, including an increase in fruit and vegetable intake and lowering of alcohol consumption.