Working Beyond Retirement Age and Mental Health in Later Life: Evidence From Vietnam

Rapid population ageing has led many countries to extend statutory retirement ages, yet the mental health implications of post-retirement employment remain inconclusive, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study examines the association between working beyond statutory retirement age and depressive symptoms among older persons in Vietnam, a rapidly ageing middle-income country undergoing retirement-age reform. Using nationally representative data from the 2019 Vietnam National Aging Survey (N = 3,312) and propensity score matching to improve balance in observed characteristics, we compare economically active older persons with observationally similar non-working counterparts. Results show that post-retirement employment was significantly associated with lower depressive symptom scores. Associations were stronger among men and rural residents, while estimates were similar across educational groups. These findings suggest that continued labor force participation is linked to better mental health in later life, although estimates should be interpreted as associations rather than causal effects.