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Academics are amongst the keenest people to postpone retirement. Creativity and high levels of research and scholarly performance are expected of academics. This paper will outline what is known about declines in creativity, problem solving and general cognitive performance, comparing and contrasting academics with the general population. Longitudinal and cross sectional research indicates that fluid cognitive ability tends to decline with age, starting in the early 20s. However, crystallised abilities show little decline until around 60 years and decline quite slowly. Studies of psychometric divergent thinking tests indicate a peak in early middle age with decline thereafter. Overall, the prospects for creative, flexible thinking in later life may seem dim. A more positive view is that cognitive decline can be mitigated by arduous mental activity (“use it or lose it” hypothesis). Although studies of short term “brain training” have lent little support to this idea, longer term activity associated with different occupations does seem to have some benefits, perhaps by building up “cognitive reserves”. The possibility that academics particularly benefit from their mentally active occupations will be discussed. Our own research on mid-life risk factors for cognitive decline in old age will highlight some of the key issues associated with working past the age of 65 years, including how aged academics manage their retirement finances.
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