Cognitive decline among European retirees: impact of early retirement, nation-related and personal characteristics

Abstract Our study aimed to enhance understanding of memory decline (MD) in old age by evaluating longitudinal effects personal and national contributing factors. We used data collected the Survey Health, Ageing Retirement Europe (SHARE) from 12 European countries Israel. sample included 11,930 retirees aged 50+, interviewed at baseline four years later. MD was evaluated change number recalled words first second interview. Except for gender, all our explanatory variables had a significant unique effect on – age, education, type occupation, geographical region, early retirement, time elapsed reason active lifestyle, re-employment, health/function status, depressive symptoms, physical mental health over study. findings indicate that can be postponed policies such as those which prolong education participation workforce, social interventions directed promote lifestyles late life, especially Mediterranean Eastern nations.