Continued work employment and volunteerism and mental well-being of older adults: Singapore longitudinal ageing studies.
OBJECTIVE
to examine the effect of late life engagement in continued work involvement or volunteer activities during retirement on mental well-being.


METHODS
two waves of data from the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Studies were analyzed for 2,716 Singaporeans aged 55 or above at baseline and 1,754 at 2-year follow-up. Trained research nurses interviewed participants (non-volunteering retiree, volunteering retiree, and working seniors) on mental health status (geriatric depression scale, Mini Mental State Examination, positive mental wellbeing and life satisfaction).


RESULTS
about 88% of seniors were retired (78% non-volunteering, 10% volunteering) and 12% were still working in paid employment or business. At baseline and 2 year follow up, and regardless of physical health status, volunteering retirees and working seniors gave significantly better MMSE cognitive performance scores, fewer depressive symptoms, and better mental well-being and life satisfaction than non-volunteering retirees.


CONCLUSIONS
the results of this study suggest that continued work involvement or volunteerism provides opportunities for social interaction and engagement and may be associated with enhanced mental well-being. Future research should clarify which specific aspects of volunteerism are related to long-term mental well-being.
Schwingel
Andiara
A
Gerontology Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074.
Niti
Mathew M
MM
Tang
Catherine
C
Ng
Tze Pin
TP
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D012179:Retirement / Q000523:psychology*; D012846:Singapore; D012919:Social Behavior; D014838:Volunteers / Q000523:psychology*