Health and wellbeing among retired elite athletes: Empirical evidence

Abstract

Objectives: The implications that sport retirement generates among high-level athletes has led to an increase in scientific investigations which describe the quality of life associated to the athletes´ health. The main objective of the study was to determinate the primary problems faced by retired athletes. Study design: The search was carried out in 2 databases: Scopus and WOS. 47 articles were found, 34 and 13 respectively. Method: The design of this study is a descriptive, non-experimental path cast post ex facto retrospection. Results: The research shows three dominant content trends about the quality of life of retired athletes: First mental health, where depression, stress and identity problems were the most notable variables. Second, physical health related to injuries and pain threshold. Last, the quality of life associated to physical activity and healthy habits. Conclusions: Mental health is a key factor to consider before, during and after the sporting career but also physical health is also another determining concept to consider. Physical activity is also a key concept in the lives of retired athletes.