A life course perspective on retirement, gender, and well-being

The existing research literature on the links between retirement and physical and psychological health is examined. This synthesis characterizes the complexity of the relationship between retirement and health; points out potential gender differences in the nature, experience, and implications of retirement; and develops a life course model of the pathways through occupational career and retirement leading to health. Such a life course model suggests a research agenda that can produce important insights on the dynamics and consequences of the retirement transition, including the mechanisms and conditions linking withdrawal from employment to changes in health and well-being.