Mobilizing Resources for Well-being: Implications for Developing Interventions in the Retirement Transition

Heaven, Ben, O'Brien, Nicola, Evans, Elizabeth H., White, Martin, Meyer, Thomas D., Mathers, John C. and Moffatt, Suzanne (2016) Mobilizing Resources for Well-being: Implications for Developing Interventions in the Retirement Transition. The Gerontologist, 56 (4). pp. 615-629. ISSN 0016-9013

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Abstract

Purpose of the Study: Good health and well-being in later life are central issues for public health. Retirement presents an opportunity to intervene to improve health and well-being, as individuals may adjust associated lifestyle behaviors. However, there is little evidence about how well-being is experienced in the context of increasingly diverse retirement transitions. Our objectives were to explore (a) views on health and well-being through retirement transitions and (b) acceptability of intervening in this period. Design and Methods: Qualitative study involving 48 workers/retirees, aged 53-77 years of diverse socioeconomic status, were recruited from urban and rural areas in North East England. Data were collected iteratively through focus groups (n = 6), individual interviews (n = 13), interviews with couples (n = 4), using the constant comparative method. Analysis was informed by theories of the Third Age and Sen's capabilities approach. Results: Diverse retirement transitions were shaped by unanticipated events. Central to well-being was the "capability" to utilize resources to achieve desirable outcomes. Participants rejected a "later life" identity, associating it with decline, and an uncertain future. Implications: Lifestyle interventions that address challenges within the retirement transition may be acceptable. Inducements to change behavior based on possible long-term outcomes may be less appealing. Providing assistance to use resources to address personal goals may be central to effective interventions.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Retirement, Well-being, Intervention, Later life
Subjects:	B900 Others in Subjects allied to Medicine
Department:	Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Psychology
Depositing User:	Elena Carlaw
Date Deposited:	26 Jun 2019 09:18
Last Modified:	10 Oct 2019 17:33
URI:	http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/39812

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