Self-care and anticipated transition into retirement and later life in a Nordic welfare context

Söderhamn, Olle; Skisland, Anne Valen-Sendstad; Herrman, Margaretha

doi:10.2147/jmdh.s21385

Cited by 9 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 21 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…In line with previous research [23], the process towards early retirement appeared to be multi-factorial and was frequently not determined by one single factor. This suggests that interventions and policies should not focus on one factor but integrate measures on a combination of relevant factors.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

‘All those things together made me retire’: qualitative study on early retirement among Dutch employees

et al. 2013

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

BackgroundDue to the aging of the population and subsequent higher pressure on public finances, there is a need for employees in many European countries to extend their working lives. One way in which this can be achieved is by employees refraining from retiring early. Factors predicting early retirement have been identified in quantitative research, but little is known on why and how these factors influence early retirement. The present qualitative study investigated which non-health related factors influence early retirement, and why and how these factors influence early retirement.MethodsA qualitative study among 30 Dutch employees (60–64 years) who retired early, i.e. before the age of 65, was performed by means of face-to-face interviews. Participants were selected from the cohort Study on Transitions in Employment, Ability and Motivation (STREAM).ResultsFor most employees, a combination of factors played a role in the transition from work to early retirement, and the specific factors involved differed between individuals. Participants reported various factors that pushed towards early retirement (‘push factors’), including organizational changes at work, conflicts at work, high work pressure, high physical job demands, and insufficient use of their skills and knowledge by others in the organization. Employees who reported such push factors towards early retirement often felt unable to find another job. Factors attracting towards early retirement (‘pull factors’) included the wish to do other things outside of work, enjoy life, have more flexibility, spend more time with a spouse or grandchildren, and care for others. In addition, the financial opportunity to retire early played an important role. Factors influenced early retirement via changes in the motivation, ability and opportunity to continue working or retire early.ConclusionTo support the prolongation of working life, it seems important to improve the fit between the physical and psychosocial job characteristics on the one hand, and the abilities and wishes of the employee on the other hand. Alongside improvements in the work environment that enable and motivate employees to prolong their careers, a continuous dialogue between the employer and employee on the (future) person-job fit and tailored interventions might be helpful.

show abstract

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

‘All those things together made me retire’: qualitative study on early retirement among Dutch employees

et al. 2013

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…At the same time, they valued such activities for their health and well-being, and being active, both socially and physically, could stimulate the appetite. A consciousness of the benefit of activities for maintaining health and well-being in later life has also been reported in other studies 31,38. Along with health problems and limited mobility, external factors, like slippery roads, could also influence the performance of such activities negatively.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 63%

Lived experiences of self-care among older, home-dwelling individuals identified to be at risk of undernutrition

Tomstad¹,

Söderhamn²,

Söderhamn³

2012

JMDH

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

IntroductionIn a society where most older people live in their own homes, it may be expected of older individuals to exercise their potential to take care of themselves in daily life. Nutrition is a central aspect of self-care, and groups of older, home-dwelling people are at risk of undernutrition.AimThe aim of this study was to describe the lived experiences of self-care and features that influence health and self-care among older, home-dwelling individuals identified to be at risk of undernutrition.MethodsQualitative interviews were performed with eleven home-dwelling individuals who had been identified as being at risk of undernutrition. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed with a descriptive phenomenological method.FindingsSelf-care as a lived experience among older, home-dwelling individuals identified to be at risk of undernutrition is about being aware of food choices and making decisions about taking healthy steps or not. In the presence of health problems, the appetite often decreases. Being able to take care of oneself in daily life is important, as is receiving help when needing it. Working at being physically and socially active and engaged may stimulate the appetite. Having company at meals is important and missed when living alone. Being present and taking each day by day, as well as considering oneself in the light of past time and previous experiences and looking ahead, is central, even when having fears for the future and the end of life.ConclusionHealth care professionals should be aware of these findings in order to support self-care in older people, and they should pay attention to the social aspects at meals.

show abstract

“…A study on the transition into retirement and later life in a Nordic welfare context41 showed that the informants, aged 56–65 years of age, looked forward to retirement when they would be free and motivated to be active or even get a new job. In a study by Dale et al,9 the sense of being useful to other people is emphasized, as well as taking care of grandchildren.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lived experiences of self-care among older physically active urban-living individuals

Sundsli¹,

Söderhamn²

2013

CIA

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

BackgroundPromoting physical activity is a public health priority in most industrial countries, and physical function is an important factor when taking into consideration older people’s self-care and health. Despite the increasing challenges associated with urbanization and the aging population, urban life appears to be positive in many ways for urban dwellers. However, the manner in which older people live in urban settings and how this influences their ability to take care of themselves should be considered important knowledge for health professionals and politicians to acquire. The aim of this study was to describe the lived experiences of self-care and features that may influence health and self-care among older urban home-dwelling individuals who are physically active.MethodsTen subjects, three women and seven men, who were aged 65–82 years and identified to be physically active, were interviewed. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed according to the descriptive phenomenological method devised by Giorgi.ResultsOur findings showed beneficial self-care. The participants lived active everyday lives and were frequently physically active. They were part of a supportive, inclusive, and promoting fellowship, and they had the opportunity to travel. They utilized their competence and experienced making themselves useful. It was a privilege to be part of a family life as a husband, wife, parent, and/or a grandparent. They acknowledged physical and mental limitations, yet they felt they were in good health.ConclusionHealth professionals and politicians should identify places where fellowship and relationships can be built, as well as encourage older people to use their competence by engagement in volunteering. These interventions are important to support older people’s self-care and health. This may also be a way to reduce ageism in Western societies.

show abstract

Self-care and anticipated transition into retirement and later life in a Nordic welfare context

Cited by 9 publications

References 21 publications

‘All those things together made me retire’: qualitative study on early retirement among Dutch employees

‘All those things together made me retire’: qualitative study on early retirement among Dutch employees

Lived experiences of self-care among older, home-dwelling individuals identified to be at risk of undernutrition

Lived experiences of self-care among older physically active urban-living individuals

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About