[Socio-hygienic rationale for the preparation for retirement (author's transl)]

The objective of the study made within the framework of bilateral cooperation between the Institute of Gerontology of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Kiev and the GDR Research Project of Social Gerontology was to provide a scientific basis for the health-promoting and rational way of life of elderly persons of pre-retirement and retirement age. 1,500 Kiev citizens of pre-retirement or retirement age were examined and/or interviewed. Like similar investigations conducted in the GDR, the Soviet findings showed a highly significant correlation to exist between health education, healthy living. Knowledge about one's health and health-promoting behavior. The poorest results were obtained for unskilled or semi-skilled production workers, both male and female. They had the highest proportion in advanced degenerative diseases. The persons investigated were best informed about the positive influence of exercise, a balanced diet, periodic medical check-ups and home visits by doctors. The effectiveness of health education and health propaganda was calculated by means of efficiency indices. Generally speaking, the relation between knowledge and action is still inadequate. This applies primarily to preventive measure by the individual and to the organization of his daily regime (indices just over 50%). The indices related to diet and exercise were higher (71 and 72%, respectively). Adverse psychological factors included a lack of concrete plans for retirement age, a rather passive mode of life and dissatisfaction with the situation during pre-retirement and retirement age. An active approach to old age proved much more favourable, including satisfaction with one's life and with the present situation. A significant correlation was found to exist between a non-rational way of life, morbidity and multi-morbidity. The results of the study will be used to make recommendations regarding to the preparation for old age, especially for the transitional period between pre-retirement and retirement age.