Retirement of anaesthetists. Attitudes in Yorkshire

The tenure of posts by consultant anaesthetists is compared with that by consultants in other specialties. Populations studied were not strictly comparable: however, due mainly to early retirement for reasons unknown, only 70--80% of anaesthetists who might have been expected to retire at 65 years of age actually did so. Provisional plans for a study of occupational health are described. Results of a questionnaire on attitudes to retirement are reported. Comments elicited refer to: financial and family considerations; a belief in longevity associated with early retirement; effects of ageing upon health, ability and response to 'stress'; lack of self-pacing and of job adjustment for age and health; professional and administrative 'stresses'; recruitment, manpower and workload; health hazards; and a wish to pursue other interests. Forty per cent of responders anticipated retiring before the age of 61 years. Possible relevance of early appointment as consultant is mentioned.