Is there life without work?
The present study examined the way retirees perceive retirement and continue to work post-retirement. Using a longitudinal design, qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed to examine the effect of preoccupation with work on adjustment to retirement. The findings indicate a wide range of attitudes toward cessation of the working life on the eve of retirement. In addition, most retirees reported increased well-being and decreased distress one year after retirement. Although for all participants a correlation was found between adjustment and preoccupation with work on the eve of retirement, no difference in the adjustment measures emerged a year later between those who were fully retired and those who continued to work. The implications of the findings for both personal well-being and social policy are discussed.
Nuttman-Shwartz
Orit
O
Department of Social Work, Sapir Academic College, D.N. Hof Ashkelon, Israel. orits@sapir.ac.il
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D001290:Attitude; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005191:Family Characteristics; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007557:Israel; D007585:Jews / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D037141:Mandatory Programs; D008571:Men / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012179:Retirement / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires