title: Changes in leisure-time physical activity after transition to retirement: a follow-up study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Retirement is a major life change that is likely to affect lifestyles. The aim of this study was to examine changes in leisure-time physical activity of moderate and vigorous intensity among ageing employees facing transition to retirement over a follow-up of 5-7 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  The baseline data were collected by questionnaire surveys in 2000-2002 among 40-60-year-old employees of the City of Helsinki. A follow-up survey was conducted among the baseline respondents in 2007 (n=7332, response rate 83%). Those who were on disability retirement at the follow-up were distinguished from old-age retirees. Leisure-time physical activity was measured using similar questions in both surveys.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Old-age retirees increased significantly their time spent in moderate-intensity physical activity: women 31 minutes per week and men 42 minutes per week on average. Such changes were not found among disability retirees or those remaining employed. There were no changes in vigorous activity. Leisure-time physical inactivity at follow-up was lower among old-age retirees compared with employees of nearly the same age. Adjustments made for potential baseline covariates had no effects on these findings.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transition to old-age retirement was associated with an increase in moderate-intensity leisure-time physical activity and a decrease in the proportion of inactive. Encouraging people to leisure-time physical activity after retirement is worthwhile as the increase in free time brings new possibilities for it.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. jouni.mm.lahti@helsinki.fi
authors.forename: Jouni
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lahti
authors.forename: Mikko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Laaksonen
authors.forename: Eero
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lahelma
authors.forename: Ossi
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Rahkonen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D012179:Retirement; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014505:Urban Population