Ben Heaven1, Nicola O'Brien2, Elizabeth H Evans2, Martin White3, Thomas D Meyer4, John C Mathers5, Suzanne Moffatt2. 1. Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, UK ben.heaven@ncl.ac.uk. 2. Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, UK. 3. Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, UK Centre for Diet & Activity Research, MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, UK. 4. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas at Houston. 5. Human Nutrition Research Centre, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, UK.
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.
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.
Authors: Nicola O'Brien; Ben Heaven; Gemma Teal; Elizabeth H Evans; Claire Cleland; Suzanne Moffatt; Falko F Sniehotta; Martin White; John C Mathers; Paula Moynihan Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2016-08-03 Impact factor: 5.428
Authors: Jose Lara; Nicola O'Brien; Alan Godfrey; Ben Heaven; Elizabeth H Evans; Scott Lloyd; Suzanne Moffatt; Paula J Moynihan; Thomas D Meyer; Lynn Rochester; Falko F Sniehotta; Martin White; John C Mathers Journal: PLoS One Date: 2016-07-29 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: A Godfrey; J Lara; S Del Din; A Hickey; C A Munro; C Wiuff; S A Chowdhury; J C Mathers; L Rochester Journal: Maturitas Date: 2015-04-14 Impact factor: 4.342
Authors: A Odone; V Gianfredi; G P Vigezzi; A Amerio; C Ardito; A d'Errico; D Stuckler; G Costa Journal: Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci Date: 2021-12-01 Impact factor: 6.892