Retirement as a Life Crisis: Myth or Reality? A Review

Abstract

Summary The literature on retirement has herein been examined with particular emphasis on whether the negative retirement stereotype is myth or reality. There appears to be very little hard data to support the stereotype. On the whole recent studies seem to indicate that people do quite well physically, mentally and socially after retirement and that the negative stereotype is indeed a myth. However, there is a definite need for much closer attention to experimental detail in future studies if the stereotype is to be unequivocally refuted. Moreover, there appear to be factors such as health, income, socioeconomic status, and personality structure which can predispose individuals to less fortunate retirement outcomes. Further research delineating these higher risk groups is needed before relevant intervention programs can be developed.

Does Retirement Kill You? Evidence from Early Retirement Windows

“…(See Minkler 1981 for a review.) Many argue that retirement itself is a stressful event (Carp 1967, Eisdorfer and Wilkie 1977, MacBride 1976, Sheppard 1976). This stressful event could lead to increased illness susceptibility.…”

“…This stressful event could lead to increased illness susceptibility. Even for those for whom retirement is not a stressful event, it still can lead to a break with support networks and friends, and may be accompanied by emotional or mental impacts of "loneliness," "obsolescence," or "feeling old" (Bradford 1979, MacBride 1976. If retirement has a negative net affect on health, then increasing the retirement age may lead to better overall health for individuals and an improved budgetary outlook for the government.…”

Retirement Effects on Health in Europe

“…Many argue that retirement itself is a stressful event (Carp, 1967;Eisdorfer and Wilkie, 1977;MacBride, 1976;Sheppard, 1976). Retirement can also lead to a break with support networks and friends, and may be accompanied by emotional or mental impacts of "loneliness," "obsolesce," or "feeling old" (Bradford, 1979;MacBride, 1976). Others believe that retirement is a health-preserving life change.…”

Physical and Mental Health Changes in Retirement Age

“…Retirement has traditionally been re garded as a stressful life event which may disturbe people's life and cause an increase in illnesses [1], Recent studies [2][3][4][5], how ever, have questioned this stereotyped view. For most people retirement seems to be a more or less normal and anticipated event with no great problems but in some cases it may lead to difficulties in psychosocial adap tation and health.…”