Researchers: Older workers stay healthier

MELBOURNE, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- Older people who remain in the workforce have lower rates of heart disease, diabetes and arthritis than their retired peers, Australian researchers say.

A reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics report indicates that workers between 45 and 74 years old were less likely to have a chronic health condition, including obesity, than retirees, the Melbourne Sun-Herald reported Saturday.

Researchers found that cardiovascular disease and arthritis each affect about a quarter of older workers, compared with 50 percent of those who do not work.

"Studies show that people who remain actively engaged through lifelong learning and participation in their communities experience greater levels of general well-being, suffer less depression and illness and are less likely to get dementia," Adult Learning Australia's Julia Gane said.

The newspaper reported that Australians are expected to live longer than ever, with research from the Department of Health and Aging revealing that, by 2060, women will live to 90 and men to their mid-80s on average.

The figure marks a 7-year increase in life expectancy compared with babies born today.