Why cognitive health matters in retirement planning

4 minutes

Retirement is a major life transition. It’s often associated with more free time, new projects, and a slower pace to enjoy life’s pleasures. But planning for retirement isn’t just about crunching numbers or RRSP withdrawal plans.

That’s why cognitive health should be part of an employee’s long-term planning, ideally 20 years before retirement.

What is cognitive health?

Simply put, cognitive health refers to the brain’s ability to perform daily tasks and fully experience life.

Throughout the day, multiple mental functions work together to keep you sharp and capable, including:

  • Language skills
  • Memory recall
  • Focus and concentration
  • Sound judgement
  • Learning and problem-solving capacity
  • Calculation
  • Awareness of time and space

Numbers that speak volumes

The Alzheimer Society of Canada (This hyperlink will open in a new tab) predicts a sharp increase in cognitive disorders across the country by 2050.

  • Neurocognitive disorders in Canada are projected to increase by 187%.
  • Over 1.7 million Canadians will face cognitive challenges.
  • Women are at higher risk, largely due to greater life expectancy.

Retirement planning isn’t just about finances, it’s about your brain too

With an aging population and neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s becoming more common, cognitive health is a growing concern for everyone. These illnesses affect the quality of life for individuals, families, and society.

You're part of the solution. Helping employees maintain their mental sharpness ensures they can truly enjoy their retirement years. The objective is to remain active, independent, and engaged for as long as possible.

Employees should start early, ideally in their forties or before, by building habits that protect brain health.

  • Healthy eating: Mediterranean diet, whole foods, low sugar.
  • Heart health: Taking daily walks, screening for high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol
  • A good night’s sleep (7 to 8 hours a night)

Cognitive decline doesn’t happen overnight. The silent phase can start 15–20 years before symptoms appear so every healthy choice counts.

Growing older doesn’t mean losing your edge

Misplacing your keys or struggling to find a word isn’t alarming. The brain ages and processes tasks more slowly, just like the rest of the body. That’s normal cognitive ageing.

What’s concerning is when memory issues disrupt daily life and independence.

Mild cognitive impairment

A few memory lapses, but autonomy stays intact. Simple strategies like setting reminders or posting a list on the fridge makes everyday life easier. For some, symptoms may improve, stabilize or worsen over time.

Major cognitive impairment

Alzheimer’s and dementia affect over 1.1 million Canadians and often require multiple caregivers. That’s why prevention well before retirement is so important.

What harms your brain

The brain and the body work hand in hand. When certain illnesses aren’t kept under control, the brain feels the impact. The main culprits:

  • High-blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Depression
  • Obesity
  • Hearing or vision loss
  • High cholesterol levels
  • Brain injuries and strokes

Your brain needs maintenance, just like an engine. Start early to keep it running smoothly. Certain behaviours speed up the damage:

Your role in supporting cognitive health

Employee well-being goes beyond gym memberships and fruit baskets. It’s about creating a culture that values every dimension of physical and mental health. By making cognitive health a part of your wellness strategy, you help employees stay sharp, keep their memory strong, and maintain their curiosity.

With rising living costs, an aging workforce, and labour shortages, longer life expectancy means many people are delaying retirement. Prevention will be key to navigating this shift.

The workforce is a powerful lever for change. It’s where habits are formed, ones that shape long term health. When you support cognitive health, you enhance your employees’ quality of life today and contribute to their future well-being.

Practical ideas for the workplace

Brain games like Sudoku or crosswords are great, but what else can you do? What can you do at the organizational level to improve cognitive health?

  • Get moving: Introduce active breaks, promote walking meetings, and encourage cycling or walking to work.
  • Eat smart: Offer healthy options in the cafeteria, provide nutritious snacks, and organize cooking classes or nutrition workshops.
  • Challenge the mind: Support continuous learning, language courses, book clubs and team-based challenges.
  • Build social connections: Encourage volunteering, social clubs, or team activities to strengthen collaboration and reduce isolation.
  • Calm the mind: Provide resources on stress management, sleep and mindfulness, and organizational ability.

These initiatives boost concentration and memory, and improve problem-solving and organizational skills. They also foster a healthier work environment and make the transition to retirement smoother.

A healthy future starts today

Investing in cognitive health is investing in your people and your organization’s long-term success.

Start early to cultivate sharp, resilient minds ready to thrive at every stage of life.