Busy Ethic: A Validation of a Popular Concept.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology of Retirement

Background:

• The "busy ethic" is a prescriptive norm valuing an active lifestyle in retirement.
• This study is the first to standardize measurement of the busy ethic in a population sample.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure busy ethic endorsement among retirees.
• To examine busy ethic affirmation across different retiree segments.
• To investigate associations between busy ethic endorsement and specific activities.

Main Methods:

• A survey scale measuring the busy ethic was developed for 1,143 Dutch retirees.
• Hypotheses tested modernization theory (individual autonomy) and differential exposure to expectations.

Main Results:

• Busy ethic endorsement correlated with factors enabling activity (health, income) and social value (education).
• Higher endorsement linked to paid work, productive social activities, and group recreation.
• Religious service attendance also showed positive association.

Conclusions:

• Substantial endorsement of activity's importance for retirees was observed.
• The busy ethic may serve as a strategy for retirees to postpone perceptions of old age.
• Prescriptive norms of activity may disadvantage less capable older adults.