There’s no statutory retirement age in South Africa, although most of us probably consider it to be around 60 or 65. But these days, many people are choosing to work beyond 65 – some because they can’t afford to retire, others because they don’t want to retire. If you’re planning on working into your golden years, you’ll be pleased to know that it could come with a number of benefits.

It can provide purpose 

The advantages of continuing to work in an office environment include the social interaction with colleagues and a more structured schedule, as well as the sense of purpose that comes from working towards set goals and objectives. If these are things you value, you may well want to work longer than traditional retirement age.

It can help boost your savings

The good news is that we’re living longer. The not-so-good news is that, as a result, our retirement savings have to go further. But if you decide to stay in the workplace for a few extra years, you’ll have more time before you need to dip into your retirement savings, and you’ll be able to contribute to your retirement funding for longer.

It might be one of the secrets to longevity

At least that’s according to Dr Shigeaki Hinohara, a Japanese physician and author who died last year at the impressive age of 105. In an interview with the Japan Times, he said he believes, “There is no need to ever retire, but if one must, it should be a lot later than 65.”

Enjoy a retirement lifestyle – even if you’re not retired

At Evergreen Lifestyle Villages, you don’t need to be retired to enjoy the benefits of stress-free living and lock-up-and-go convenience. From beautiful homes and vibrant communities, to state-of-the-art security, Evergreen offers tremendous peace of mind. Each village is fully managed, which means you can relax and enjoy life without worrying about the costs or hassles of regular maintenance and upkeep. There are also plenty of social events, clubs and special-interest groups, so you’ll never be short of things to do, or people to do them with.