China Study Reveals Gender, Education Impact on Healthy Working Life Expectancy

Many Americans retire before reaching full Social Security retirement age, often due to health issues or involuntary job loss rather than choice, with the average retirement age around 64.6 for men and 62.6 for women, despite increasing life expectancies that extend the need for income into the 80s and 90s. The trend of working past traditional retirement age is growing, with nearly 20% of Americans 65 and older in the labor force, driven by financial necessity or personal fulfillment, and supported by remote work and employer recognition of experienced workers' value. However, health risks and lifestyle diseases are rising among younger and middle-aged workers, emphasizing the importance of preventative health measures and regular checkups to maintain long-term well-being and productivity. Research from Japan shows that municipal health checkup programs have positive effects on health outcomes and behaviors, especially among self-employed and unemployed populations who are at higher risk for lifestyle-related diseases. Similarly, studies in China highlight the importance of healthy working life expectancy, focusing on the quality of health during working years to inform public health and economic policies amid aging populations.