Employment, social networks, and health in the retirement years.
The impact of employment on the health of retirees is examined, with particular attention to the hypothesis that social roles affect health through their impact on social networks. Data are based on comprehensive assessment questionnaires completed by 175 participants of a corporate sponsored geriatric clinic. Results indicate that employment in the retirement years is related to larger social networks and indirectly, through this relationship, to better perceived health. Of the three social network factors identified through factor analysis: family, friends, and confidant relationships, employment was significantly related only to the friendship component. A summary analytic model is presented and implication for interventions are discussed.
Mor-Barak
M E
ME
School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089-0411.
Scharlach
A E
AE
Birba
L
L
Sokolov
J
J
D000368:Aged; D002140:California; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006291:Health Policy; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012179:Retirement / Q000523:psychology*; D012380:Role