There has long been a perception that hard work and longevity go hand in hand. The old adage “hard work never killed anyone” encapsulates the belief that working hard strengthens character and leads to a long and healthy life. But is there any truth to this idea that the hardest workers live the longest lives? Let’s examine what science and research have to say.
Studies on work and longevity
Several studies have investigated connections between working hard and life expectancy. Here is a summary of key findings:
A 2016 study followed 1,500 individuals over a 25 year period, tracking their work hours and life expectancy. It found that those who worked 55 hours or more per week had a 33% higher risk of stroke and a 13% higher risk of dying compared to those working 35-40 hours per week. The increased risk was still present even after accounting for other lifestyle factors like exercise and diet.
Another large study of over 10,000 individuals found that those who retired later in life, aged 66-67 instead of 62, tended to live longer. This suggests that staying active and engaged in work during the retirement years may contribute to longevity.
However, a 2021 study cautions that extremely long work hours may negatively impact longevity. This study looked at employees working 55+ hours per week over a 10 year period. The risk of death from heart disease increased by 40% compared to those working 40 hours per week.
Some research indicates that job satisfaction and enjoyment of work may play a role. A 2019 study of nearly 3,000 individuals found that those who enjoyed their work were 14% more likely to be alive at the end of the 25 year study period, compared to those who were unsatisfied with their work.
How work impacts health and longevity
Several ways in which work influences health and longevity have been proposed:
Consistent work provides structure and purpose to life, keeping the mind and body active and engaged. In contrast, prolonged joblessness has been associated with declines in mental and physical health.
Work may promote healthy behaviors if it provides access to wellness benefits such as gym memberships, standing desks, or health insurance. However, for some, a difficult job may have the opposite effect by causing destructive stress.
Higher income from increased work is associated with greater longevity, likely due to access to healthcare and healthier food. However, some evidence suggests that at a certain point, excessively long hours can override the benefits of higher income.
Social connections at work help people stay engaged with others and avoid the negative health effects of prolonged isolation. However, a lack of balance between work and personal life can strain important relationships.
Challenging work activities and continued learning on the job help keep the mind sharp. Yet repetitive, unfulfilling work may hasten cognitive decline.
Recommendations for balancing work and longevity
Based on the research, here are some recommendations for structuring a work life to promote longevity:
- Aim for a moderate work duration of 30-50 hours per week. Limit weeks over 50 hours to occasional times of high demand. Build in time for proper sleep, exercise, and recovery.
- Take regular vacations from work to prevent burnout. Disconnecting from work entirely for 1-2 weeks allows the mind and body to recharge.
- Structure work hours and conditions to minimize chronic stress. Take regular short breaks during the day. Ensure your environment is ergonomic.
- Prioritize enjoyment and purpose in your job. Seek work aligned with your interests and talents as much as possible.
- Retire gradually if possible. Consider shifting to part-time work or consulting to stay engaged before full retirement.
- Develop interests and community connections outside of work for fulfillment.
The bottom line
Overall, research suggests that working hard does not inherently lead to a longer life. As with most things, moderation is key. Reasonable working hours that don’t induce excessive stress, paired with enjoyment of work and plenty of recovery time, provide the right balance to gain the longevity benefits of an active work life. Hard work may keep you busy, but it will only lengthen your lifespan if you make sure to take care of your health along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does working more hours lead to a shorter lifespan?
Working moderately long hours (40-50 per week) does not appear to negatively impact lifespan. However, regularly exceeding 55+ hours per week has been associated with modest decreases in longevity in several studies. The exact tipping point of work hours that could shorten lifespan is unclear.
Are people who retire later more likely to live longer?
Research shows a correlation between later retirement ages (e.g. 67 vs. 62) and increased longevity. This suggests remaining active and engaged at work may contribute to longer life. However, the nature of the work is likely also important – enjoyable and meaningful work is most beneficial.
Does having a stressful job negatively impact lifespan?
Yes, research indicates chronic work stress can modestly reduce lifespan. Stress impacts health through mechanisms like elevated blood pressure, inflammation, and cortisol. Jobs with excessive demands, long hours, and low control over decisions tend to have the highest stress levels and poorest health outcomes.
Is job satisfaction associated with living longer?
Yes, some research has found a link between enjoying your job and increased longevity. Satisfaction suggests you have meaningful, well-suited work. Dissatisfaction is associated with stress, which can negatively impact health and longevity when chronic.
Does working hard increase your risk of heart disease?
Extreme work hours (55+ per week) may increase heart disease risk to a modest degree, according to some studies. Possible reasons include stress, lack of exercise, and work conditions like shift work that disrupt sleep cycles and physiological rhythms. Moderate work levels do not appear to increase risk.
Conclusion
While the old adage promotes the idea that hard work leads to health and long life, scientific research suggests it’s more nuanced. Working moderately hard at a satisfying job you enjoy can indeed benefit lifespan. However, taken to extremes, difficult and stressful work may shorten lifespan slightly by impairing health over time. As with most aspects of life, moderation – paired with taking proper care of your physical and mental wellbeing – seems to be the key to balancing the longevity benefits and risks of an active work life.