THE I NEWSPAPER: Being retired is no less stressful than working – unless you were in a top job

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As people edge towards retirement many look forward to a stress-free life full of holidays and hobbies.

Alas, for many of us the reality is likely to be far more prosaic according to a new study which finds that being retired is hardly less stressful than working, unless you are leaving a well-paid, high-status job.

Researchers analysed the saliva for the stress hormone cortisol and found a socio-economic stress gap opening up on retirement, with the lowest status jobs faring worst.