ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS
The New York Times reports that in retirement many Americans find they are less stressed—and therefore smoke and drink less, are less obese, and may be more inclined to exercise.
A study by the Journal of Human Resources found that after a few years of retirement, adults are less at risk for serious illnesses, less likely to report loneliness, and may have an increased sense of purpose and camaraderie that lowers their likelihood to binge eat, drink and smoke. (Only 9% of seniors smoke, compared with 15.5% of all adults, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
The average working household spends $381 a year on tobacco and tobacco products, while the average retired household spends $198 a year, almost 50% less. Spending on alcohol also decreases in retirement.
According to BLS data, the average working family spends $519 a year on alcoholic beverages, while the average retired family spends $370 a year.
