Yes dear reader, yet another post in the never ending series of random thoughts on retirement. https://lifeunderwriter.net/tag/random-thoughts-on-retirement/

Though the traditional retirement age in the U.S. typically falls between 62 and 67, many Americans continue working beyond that point. As of 2024, slightly more than 22% of adults aged 65 and older are still employed, either full-time or part-time. Though the traditional retirement age in the U.S. typically falls between 62 and 67, many Americans continue working beyond that point. As of 2024, slightly more than 22% of adults aged 65 and older are still employed, either full-time or part-time. – https://financebuzz.com/working-in-retirement-data

I’m not the only Old Guy who is still working past age 65.

But despite the fact I’m not the only Old Guy who is still working past age 65 more people are starting retirements earlier than they expected (always have a Plan B and maybe even a Plan C).

2026 EBRI/Greenwald Retirement Confidence Survey https://www.ebri.org/content/2026-ebri-greenwald-retirement-confidence-survey

I just learned I’m not the only Old Guy who still has a mortgage.

Over the past three decades, the share of homeowners ages 65 to 79 with a mortgage rose from 24% to 41%, while median mortgage debt surged by 400%, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. More Americans aging into retirement are still paying down mortgages – https://www.marketplace.org/story/2025/06/09/more-older-americans-continue-to-pay-mortgages

I also learned about the disappearance of structured cognitive demand in retirement.

A 2025 systematic review published in Health Psychology Review found that retirement is associated with measurable cognitive decline, not just because people age, but because structured cognitive demand disappears. Researchers have called it “mental retirement”: The brain follows the body’s example and withdraws from challenge. Gary Has a Plan for Retirement: Crash on the Sofa and Veg. Here’s the Problem With That …https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/your-long-term-retirement-plan-needs-a-purpose

I’m now paranoid about the disappearance of structured cognitive demand with a mortgage to pay off and too scared to retire.