Why Retirees Should Write A Book

There’s no shortage of research studies that reveal the benefits of writing a book when you’re a retiree. And that includes any format of writing from poetry and journaling, to your memoir, short stories, fiction, historical fiction, non-fiction, biography, and the list goes on. 

In fact, the research is conclusive that writing stimulates the imagination in retirees, keeps the mind razor-sharp, and provides psychological benefits far too numerous to count. For instance, the Norwegian author, Øivind H. Solheim, who wrote the book, The Man Who Never Stopped Aging, recently said about writing, “It can benefit the elderly in several ways. It stimulates the brain to invent stories, characters, and plots, which demand mental agility, analytical thinking, and creative solutions. These abilities help preserve cognitive abilities and even prevent age-related cognitive deterioration”.

Well there’s that, but there’s also findings that reveal that writing by seniors reduces stress, improves sleep, curbs depression (it can do this by minimizing some of the anxieties associated with aging, transitioning to a new lifestyle and routine, and adding more mental clarity to decision-making), and writing can create peace of mind by passing-the-torch to a new generation eager to learn about the previous generation.

Not surprisingly, we asked our own editor-in-chief, Tom Marks, author of the #1 bestselling business book, The Second-Best Business Book Ever Written: The Pursuit of Thought Leadership in Sales, Marketing, and Life why, at the age of 69, he decided to write. His tongue-in-cheek response was, “So my kids would respect me,” but he added that there were three primary reasons for taking-up the task:

1. I really want to keep my mind sharp for the next 10-15 years, or as long as possible. For me it’s writing, for others it might be puzzles, games, reading, listening to podcasts, and plenty of other activities.
2. It was, what some call a legacy book. Sharing my experiences and insights after 48 years in business with as many businesspeople as possible was critical to my legacy. Why take that knowledge to your grave?
3. It is said that everyone has at least one book in them, whether that’s true or not, I needed to find out if I had a book in me, particularly after writing TV commercials for nearly five decades. If I did, would I find the writing process enjoyable, important, and helpful in finding peace and purpose in retirement? I did.

So, whatever it might be, think about writing as a vehicle to enlightenment, mental health, and a peaceful retirement. You won’t be disappointed.