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Retirement and mental health
1University of Alabama-Birmingham, USA. Pdrentea@uab.edu
Journal of Aging and Health
|May 9, 2002
Summary
Retirement can improve mental health by reducing anxiety and distress, with daily activities playing a key role. However, retirement may also lower one's sense of control, impacting overall well-being.
Area of Science:
- Sociology of work
- Sociology of mental health
Background:
- Investigates the relationship between retirement and mental health.
- Examines the mediating role of daily activities in this association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test two sociological perspectives on work and mental health in the context of retirement.
- To determine if retirement is associated with changes in mental health indicators.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from two large-scale surveys: the 1995 Aging, Status, and Sense of Control and the 1987-1988 National Survey of Families and Households.
- Employed regression analysis to examine the interplay between retirement, daily activities, and well-being.
Main Results:
- Retirees reported lower anxiety and distress, and higher positive affect, supporting the 'liberating' view of retirement.
- Activity characteristics mediated retirees' reduced anxiety and distress.
- Retirement was linked to a diminished sense of control, partly due to daily pursuits, supporting the 'demoralizing' view.
- No significant association was found between retirement and depressive symptomatology.
Conclusions:
- Retirement's impact on mental health is complex, with both positive and negative aspects.
- Daily pursuits significantly influence mental health outcomes post-retirement.
- Strategies to enhance well-being in retirement should consider activity engagement and sense of control.