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Finnish Retirement and Aging Study: a prospective cohort study
Sari Stenholm1,2,3, Kristin Suorsa4,2, Tuija Leskinen4,2
1Department of Public Health, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland sari.stenholm@utu.fi.
BMJ Open
|December 10, 2023
Summary
The Finnish Retirement and Aging (FIREA) Study observed health changes during retirement. While retirement generally improved health behaviors and well-being, increased sedentary behavior was noted in manual occupation retirees.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Occupational Health
Background:
- The Finnish Retirement and Aging (FIREA) Study investigates health transitions during retirement.
- It examines long-term effects of work and retirement on health and functioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changes in health behaviors and cardiometabolic risk factors during retirement.
- To assess the long-term consequences of work and retirement on health and aging.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of public sector workers (n=6783) from 18 months pre-retirement.
- Data collection via annual surveys, accelerometry, GPS, and clinical examinations.
- Assessment of health, lifestyle, psychosocial factors, and physical/cognitive function.
Main Results:
- Retirement transition generally shows a positive impact on health behaviors and mental/physical health.
- Significant individual variations in outcomes exist.
- Sedentary behavior tends to increase, particularly among those from manual occupations.
Conclusions:
- Retirement offers potential health benefits but requires personalized support.
- Monitoring sedentary behavior is crucial, especially for manual laborers post-retirement.
- Further research will explore health at age 70 in the FIREA cohort.
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