A systematic review of published research articles on health promotion at retirement.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the state of science and accumulated research evidence about health promotion at retirement.


METHODS
A comprehensive and repeated search for published research articles focused on health promotion immediately before or following retirement was undertaken through early 2007.


METHODS
Twenty articles were systematically reviewed with qualitative content analysis methods.


RESULTS
Four themes in the literature are: (a) the considerable effect of retirement on retiring individuals and thus the need for support for more positive retirements, (b) identifying and overcoming barriers to health promotion at retirement, (c) evaluating the methods by which health promotion is introduced for positive and long-term change, and (d) describing the short- and long-term benefits of health promotion at retirement.


CONCLUSIONS
Although this literature review showed relatively minimal research to date on this topic, health promotion at retirement is of considerable importance for retirees, as well as to the political, social, and healthcare leaders responsible for drafting policies and programs to help improve health and wellness in older adults.
Wilson
Donna M
DM
Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. donna.wilson@ualberta.ca
Palha
Pedro
P
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015444:Exercise; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012107:Research Design; D012179:Retirement / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012380:Role; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology