Lifestyle changes after retirement: a Grounded Theory.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology of Health
• Higher Education Studies

Background:

• Retirement marks a significant life transition for academics.
• Understanding lifestyle adjustments post-retirement is crucial for well-being.
• Self-care practices are vital for maintaining health and quality of life in later years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore lifestyle modifications in professors after retirement.
• To investigate the evolving role of self-care in retired professors' lives.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research employing Symbolic Interactionism and Grounded Theory.
• Remote interviews conducted with 18 professors in 2022.
• Data analysis focused on understanding lived experiences and social influences.

Main Results:

• Retired professors experience increased schedule flexibility, enabling positive lifestyle changes.
• Enhanced appreciation for self-care activities, including physical activity, nutrition, and cognitive stimulation.
• Development of new hobbies and a more active social life were commonly reported.
• The emergence of the theme "Enjoying retirement and taking up new activities" encapsulates these changes.

Conclusions:

• Retired professors tend to prioritize self-care more significantly during this life stage.
• Social interactions with peers, family, and healthcare professionals play a key role in shaping this value.
• Retirement can be a period of enhanced personal well-being and self-discovery through focused self-care.