The role of work in the lives of retired men following stroke.

A study was conducted with the purpose of describing self-perceived occupational role performance and to explore the possibility that role is a concept that is understood and utilised in the planning and performance of meaningful occupations. The participants were thirteen men who had experienced a stroke and undergone rehabilitation. The naturalistic methodology employed included a single extensive interview to establish and describe self-perceived roles and occupational role performance, followed by role sorting and role rating tasks. Data from the tasks were used to verify transcript analysis data. The findings of this study as they relate to the concept of work are described. Work as perceived by the study participants was found to continue beyond retirement and the advent of disability. Work roles, work occupations and workful elements of occupational performance were identified. For some participants a sense of being productive was highly significant to their feelings of well-being and social fit. A number of strategies were employed by participants to enable them to continue to do work. It is suggested that work should be considered in rehabilitation even beyond retirement.