A review of occupational therapy's contribution to and involvement in the work-to-retirement transition process: An...

Retirement from paid work is an occupational transition, which can have a profound impact on a person's life. This review explored occupational therapy's contribution to and involvement in the work-to-retirement transition process in Australia.

An integrative literature review was undertaken using seven article repository databases. PRISMA guidelines informed searches. Articles were included if participants were Australian; researchers' discussed retirement from an occupational perspective or the scope of practice of occupational therapists; and publication was from 1994 to June 2015 in a peer-reviewed journal. Articles were critically appraised and thematic analysis explored: (i) occupational perspective, (ii) occupational therapy scope of practice, (iii) theory and (iv) retirement definitions.

Eight articles met the review criteria. Three occupational perspective themes were identified: retirement intention influences, retirement preparation and retirement roles and activities. No articles on the current scope of practice of occupational therapy were found. Three articles discussed potential occupational therapy approaches. Three themes on what retirement is were identified: complete cessation, gradual transition and intermittent worker. Four theory themes were identified: occupational therapy, ageing, identity and work.

Occupational therapy has the potential to be involved in improving health and well-being for people in the work-to-retirement transition process. It is suggested that future research explore not only people's experiences but also the approaches of occupational therapy in assisting people through this occupational transition. The use of theory to guide Australian occupational therapy practice on retirement should also be explored. The use of consistent retirement definitions will assist in understanding research.