To my knowledge, there has been a number of studies done on life expectancy after retirement. The upshot was no one particular employment factor was at fault, but lifestyle leading to health problems certainly did. Another contributing factor is mental preparedness. Folks who just stop aftre retirement or early forced retirement, seem to have a harder time overall in the longevity stakes verses those who have plans and ongoing life commitments after their retirement date.
The idea is, what investments you take in your health at a younger age pays off later on, and having a fullfilling "occupation" after retirement from full time aviation is also highly recommended. Preparation and participation in planning for post retirement is critical if you dont want a really good case of "cranky old fart blues".
Retiring is not a ticket to stop dead in your tracks so to speak. The other factor noted in the studies is the effect of family and friends. Lots more family time and much less of your work companions who you've more than likely been pseudo married to for most of your career. This can have detrimental or positive effects in as much as the marriage can suffer or suddenly come alive after many years of shift work and periods of separation. "Aviation Induced Divorce Syndrome" is common across many fields involving significant blocks of time away from home base and shift work.
For those who retire into an empty house, that emptyness has been described by one of those experiencing it as "amplified silence". This incredible loneliness also can be a contributing factor for depression after retirement. For those who find that they no longer have any useful role or purpose in life after retirement, the depression is clinical and lead to fatal decisions if not treated. The demise of a persons health during depression is also common. Thus the all too common "old folks diseases".
I see it alot during my line of work, and albeit I see the worst side at times, its an all too common theme. Like flying, prepare and think ahead to minimise the risks....
my thoughts anyway.....