The Mental Impact of Transitioning from Working to Retirement - Research Proposal Example

The Mental Impact of Transitioning from Working to Retirement Introduction Retirement is an inevitable reality for older adults, whose physical and mental state is on the decline. Whether or not, the impact of transitioning from working to retirement poses negative or positive effect, early and current research studies on this subject consistently reveal inconsistent findings showing both negative and positive effects as determined by different retirement conditions and different factors. The inconsistency in research findings is attributed to the limitation in the research methodology citing the difficulty in clearly distinguishing which mental health deficiencies/difficulties are inherent to ageing, and which are the consequence of the transition to retirement. As this is a secondary research study, which is descriptive in nature, the method used in gathering data is a survey of related research studies and related literature using the internet and online libraries. Result of the online research proved inadequate of materials pertaining to research studies focused on the direct correlation of retirement to mental health. Nevertheless, available related studies and literature proved sufficient enough to proceed with the research. Three hypothesized results are determined. These essentially revolve on the following areas of concern: (1) the consistent inconsistency of the mental impact of retirement, (2) the specific state of the retiree, and (3) the correlation of retirement on mental health. The implication of the study shows the need for further research, specifically a focused research on the mental impact of retirement in related line of works and a focussed-research on the impact of retirement on the specific areas of mental health. Another implication is the need for a personalized retirement plan to turn the challenges of retirement into an opportunity rather than a crisis. This calls for the professional intervention of health-care providers. Literature Review With old age normally comes the decline in physical and functional ability (Davies, 1998, p. 7) and inevitably in mental health – of which against diverse yet limited definition of the term, MacDonald (2006) comprehensively denoted to cognitive, emotional and social well-being. The correlation of mental health with age has been proven by various researches. For example, Gottlieb (1995) confirmed that as one reaches old age, cognitive capacity generally declines which Siegler et al. (1996) noted most in ‘information processing, selective attention, and problem-solving ability’. (cited in, Goldman, Rye & Sirovatka, 1999, p. 337) Increased in cognitive impairment is also observed in older people (National Statistics – Great Britain, 2003, p. 3). However, the individual’s lifestyle, psychosocial state (Gottlieb, 1995, cited in, Goldman, et al. 1999, p. 337), level of education, and income level (National Statistics – Great Britain, 2003, p. 3) spell the difference between individuals. On the other hand, Suthers, Saito, and Crimmins (2003) stated that as one reaches old age challenges to emotional well-being are in all likelihood multiply, such as the loss of love ones, decline in health, worsening physical infirmity, or change in social roles (p. 41). In fact, Romsa, Bondy, and Blenman (1985) observed that, “Generally, retired individuals have stronger needs for love and association with others than do people at other points in the life span” (cited in Nussbaum, 2000, p. 129). While McMurdo (1998) in showing the benefits of exercise across ages noted that physical inactivity in adults – ‘30% of adults in US are woefully inactive’ – will further isolation in old age, as the lack of physical exercise may hasten physical dependency which could be limiting and detrimental to social life (p. 101), as the loss of social relationship may result to loneliness and depression (Baroff & Olley, 1999, p. 355). Cameron and Persinger’s (1983) study found that “the death rate increases after retirement only for those people who greatly decrease their interaction with friends and their other activities after retirement” (cited in Nussbaum, 2000, p. 130). Therefore, mental health promotion in older adults is vital to their quality of life, that issues confronting older adults must be understood as to its impact to mental health. One issue noteworthy of is the mental impact of transitioning from working to retirement, as this is a phenomenon everyone would confront. Retirement, Börsch-Supan and Jürges (2009) said, is “the end of working life” (p. 178), characteristically associated with old age that Rosenman (2005) called it “the symbolic age marker of old age” (p. 120), although age definition varies across states/countries. Moreover, retirement conditions range between voluntary and involuntary retirement, typified as forced, early and abrupt retirement (Szinovacz & Davey, 2004, cited in Miller, Dunn & Patel, 2009, p. 260). As everyone will surely get old, so is the reality and inevitability of retirement causing a major change in lifestyle (Baroff & Olley, 1999, p. 355) characterized as, change in or loss of roles, disruption of social relationships, loss of social networks (Nussbaum, 2000), changes in feeling of self-worth – particularly if the source of which is the work itself (Desai, 2007, p. 53), decline in income (Singh 2004, p. 49), and loss of job stress, drastically ‘affect[ing] daily activities and social relationships’ (Vahtera, et al. 2009, 1460). These drastic changes that come with retirement many believe significantly affect mental health. Review of literature on the impact of retirement on health show that only few studies delve on the matter; that these few studies are diversely focused on the different aspects of mental health; and that findings of these studies reveal conflicting findings. Some find it psychologically beneficial; others find it detrimental (Börsch-Supan and Jürges, 2009, p. 178). These inconsistencies have already been apparent as early as 1950s, which Phillipson (1993) and Westerlund, et al. (2010) attributed to the limitation of the research methodology citing the difficulty of distinguishing which mental health problem is inherent to ageing and which is a consequence of retirement. Phillipson’s (1993) The Sociology of Retirement discussed the inconsistent findings of earlier studies on the effect of retirement, noting that pioneer geriatricians like Sheldon and sociologists like Townsend, generalized the negative effect of retirement as ‘detrimental to health and… actively disliked by most retirees’. These generalizations were confirmed by empirical studies. He cited Stieglitz (1949), who vividly described the severe emotional stress retirement could cause as “tantamount to signing [the retiree’s] death certificate within the year” and Gumpert (1950), who suggested that retirement causes idleness warranting death to aged retirees. However, Phillipson further illustrated that these negative findings and assertions were also refuted. He cited Emerson’s (1959) finding that the initial negative psychological impacts of retirement were merely part of the transition from working to retirement, as these were usually resolved after this period. Emerson furthered that little had retirement per se impacted on physical or mental health, even on the first year of retirement period. This Phillipson noted, essentially supported Richardson’s (1956) earlier finding that a number of variables ‘– state of health, the meaning of former jobs, length of retirement, use made of retirement, the relationship with family and wider social groups –’ and not retirement per se affect a person’s contentment and dissatisfaction on retirement. (pp. 184-186) Current studies similarly reveal inconsistent findings, showing both the negative and positive mental health impact of transition from working to retirement. On the positive impact, there is Westerlund, et al’s. (2010) longitudinal study (from 7 years before to 7 years after retirement) of 11,246 men and 2,858 women, which showed that although retirement ‘did not change the risk of major chronic diseases’, it actually benefitted retirees mentally and physically. This result outcome, according to them could be attributed to different possible factors. One logical explanation could simply be the removal of the source of the problem (Westerlund, et al. 2009; Vahtera, et al. 2009) and another could be the availability of time for them ‘to engage in stimulating and restorative activities’ (Evenson, Rosamond, Cai, Diez-Roux & Brancati, 2002, cited in p. c6149). Westerlund, et al’s. (2010) study outcome affirmed earlier findings of the Duke Longitudinal Study: Retirement does not cause mental illness, neither poor health. On the contrary, it is poor health that causes early retirement. Furthermore, retirement does not also lead to a declined life satisfaction, though in some way it leads to reduced social activity for most people. (Palmore, 1981, cited in Nussbaum, 2000, p. 127) Similar findings on this matter were noted in much earlier studies (Richardson, 1956; Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance, 1954; Corson & McConnell, 1956; Parker, 1978) showing that ill health rather than caused by retirement, primarily determined worker’s quitting from job, as well as preventing many from being employed (cited in Phillipson, 1993, p. 185). Another study showing positive mental impact of transitioning from working to retirement is Zarit and Zarit’s (2007) study of mental disorders in older adults. According to this study the recent emergence of a more positive view of the transition from working to retirement, can be attributed to: (1) financial security – This means financial capability for retirees to take leisure trips or other meaningful activities; (2) retirement age becomes more flexible except for some works, like airline, police force, security – This means, retirement becomes more a choice than mandatory; (3) emotional difficulties that retirees experience may be a result of finding a meaningful activity overtime rather than the event of retirement – To this, they furthered Freedman’s (2002) suggestion to a change of attitude to retirees. Instead of treating them as burden, they would be much better treated as social capital, which can be productive in community and public services. This will serve both ways; the retirees are given opportunity for meaningful engagement; the community is given valuable assistance; (p. 93) and, the government is lessened of unnecessary health spending. On the other hand, several studies showing adverse effect of retirement on mental health remain. A study on the correlation of mental health and timing of men’s retirement among British and Australian men retirees revealed that “Retirees were more likely to have mental health problems than their working peers; however this difference was progressively smaller across age groups.” The study furthered that the adverse effect of retirement on mental health is more apparent on those below the conventional retirement age of 65 compared to those who retired above this age (Gill, Butterworth, Rodgers, Anstey, Villamil, & Melzer, 2006, p. 515). This could be understood from Miller, Dunn, and Patel’s (2009) study finding that the negative impact of retirement occurs, like the increase in depressive symptoms, if it is ‘abrupt and perceived as too early or forced’ (p. 260). As Singh (2004) noted, “Mandatory retirement is a traumatic experience as it connotes that one is not physically fit enough to continue working” (p. 50). Perhaps, younger than age 65 retirees have still things to prove or still enjoy working compared with older than age 65 retirees who could have been exhausted working the most years of their lives. For example, Quick and Moen (1998) suggested that retired blue-collar workers may enjoy their retirement as they are freed from their physically exhaustive work, though they worry about their meager postretirement income – affirming Townsend’s (1957) much earlier finding that, “Retirement is a tragic event for many men who have repercussions on most aspects of their life, not merely on their individual happiness, but also on security in the family” (cited in Singh, 2004, p. 50); whereas those in higher status jobs may have difficulty quitting, as this would mean their loss of authority and prestige (cited in Desai, 2007, p. 54). This difficulty may be related to role loss, as this may result to the loss of self-esteem (Nussbaum, 2000, p. 128), because as a consequence of this comes also the loss of social networks, which McDermott (1982) equated to the loss of “a recurring source of affirmation and denies a major source of self-reflexive activity” (cited in Nussbaum, 2000, p. 128). In comparing the impact of retirement on higher status jobs as against blue-collar jobs, Wheaton (1990) concludes, that the mental impact of retirement on workers of higher status low-stress jobs is detrimental, while on those of blue-collar high work-stress jobs the effect is clearly positive (cited in Ben-Sira, 1991, p. 48). In their study of men’s mental health, Sternbach (2001) and Szinovacz and Davey (2004) similarly showed that for some men, retirement could be a traumatic transition causing mental health problem. According to them, retirement may magnify the long-hidden or suppressed mental health problems of some men, especially for those who used work as their defense mechanism to cope with chronic depression or anxiety. So, in the absence of work they become too, vulnerable to such feelings that they find it too, overwhelming and unbearable, requiring them to seek medical attention. (cited in Desai, 2007, p. 54) To these negative findings, Palmore (1981) concluded that, “Most negative effects of retirement were either temporary or relatively minor,” including that of involuntary retirement and can be overcome easily; he furthered that, “Retirement appears to have a small positive effect on happiness once other social variables are taken into account” (cited in Nussbaum, 2000, p. 127). These findings show that understanding the mental impact of retirement remains fragmentary, thus needs further focused research. As such, it is apt to conclude the literature review with Kim & Moen’s (2002) words: “Retirement may promote a sense of well-being of workers moving out of demanding and /or stressful career jobs. On the other hand, it may lead to diminished well-being for individuals who lose their occupational attachments, social networks and identities” (cited in Salami, 2010, p. 47). Method Research Design This study is a descriptive non-experimental research, as it determines the mental impact of transitioning from working to retirement. Since retirement comes at a time of older age, the subject of research are older working people. Inevitably so, retirement is treated here as one of gerontology’s compelling issue, as retirement proves to be a complex eco-socio-psychological issue, though the study centers more on the psychological aspect of retirement. However in the process of research the social aspect of retirement cannot be ignored, especially so that mental health is understood here as the mental, emotional and social well-being of the retiree. The study analyzes, describes and summarizes available data taken from previous studies. Thus, this is a secondary research, because it relies on secondary materials. As such, the instrument used for the study is a survey of related studies and literatures that deal with gerontology, retirement, and mental health and literatures that either simply collate or analyze studies on the mental impact of retirement. Survey is done mainly through the internet. Aware of the proliferation of unreliable sources in this medium, only books and peer-reviewed materials are chosen plus official government reports and studies. The key terms used in finding references are mental health, old age, and retirement. Research Procedures Research procedures generally go through two step-selection and validation process and analysis. This means materials are selected as to their relevance and reliability after which they are examined for validation, whether or not they are useful to the study. Hen findings of the studies are analyzed, compared and conferred to expert opinions. Thus the following steps are taken: 1. A thorough research in the internet is done, using both free and paid libraries. The use of online libraries is to avail reliable books and journals. Sources taken from the internet are those peer-reviewed journals and government reports in PDF format. This is to ensure accuracy in paging. 2. Once materials are proven reliable, they are browsed. The relevant ones are electronically saved to a folder named Researched Materials. This means that this folder contains materials that are not yet sorted out. 3. After thirty-five (35) materials are selected, these are read and examined, highlighting important and striking points. Materials are then are sorted out. Those seen not useful are deleted from the folder; those seen to perhaps might be useful later remained in the folder; those seen very useful are electronically saved to a folder named references. This means, the contents of this folder are to be cited on the research paper. 4. As the selected materials are read, other points not considered before are brought into light that the researcher searched for more. This time, this material is automatically saved in the reference folder, as these are clearly important to the paper. 5. After sufficient understanding of the topic, the reference materials are again read. This time, the focus is more on the findings and implications of the findings. Research studies showing positive mental impact are grouped together and those showing negative mental impact are also grouped together. 6. Research studies of both groups are analysed first on their own merit, mainly focusing on their findings. Then after that, they are compared as to their difference. At this stage, analysis and further studies on the issue is done. 7. Since the issue of retirement and mental health in old age has developed leading to the development of gerontology, studies done in 1950s to 1970s are separated from those of current studies. This is to see whether or not, chronological context affect studies. 8. Initial analyses are conferred with expert opinions from researched books. This is to ensure that the study is taking the right direction, especially so that the study relies solely on secondary materials. For this matter, the validity of the study lies on the correct understanding of the study. Furthermore, whenever the researcher finds that assertions of studies are seemingly implausible, further reading is done for better understanding. 9. After sufficient understanding of the subject of study is achieved, the researcher set in writing the research paper. 10. The writing of the research paper goes as follows: First to be written is the second section of the paper: The Literature Review, as this section discusses the subject of research, thereby providing understanding. Also, it provides the researcher the basis for the last section of the paper, especially so that the study is a secondary research. The second to be written is the methodology, not only because it follows Literature Review, but also it further clarifies the scope and limitations f the study. What follows is the last section: Hypothesized Results, Implications and  Limitations, as enough bases to answer this section are already laid down. The last to be written is the introduction, as it provides the overview of the research study. Hypothesized Results, Implications and Limitations Hypothesized Results From the consistently inconsistent research finding as to the impact of transition from working to retirement on mental health, it the following result could be hypothesized: 1. Even if the research methodology, to which Phillipson (1993) and Westerlund, et al. (2010) charged to cause the inconsistent findings, will be corrected, research studies on the mental impact of retirement will remain inconsistent due to the complexity of the subject. 2. The mental impact of retirement is reflective of the individual’s psychosocial state. The better psychosocial state the individual has, the better the individual can adjust to the changes brought about by retirement. 3. Retirement has no direct correlation with the individual’s mental health. Implications The review of studies and related literature proved the insufficiency of research on the mental impact of retirement, as there is no clear strand that could assert its strong position on this field of research. This implies that further research is needed particularly on the following: 1. A focussed-research on the mental impact of retirement in related line of works. This is to see the variable most common to all from which further understanding could be arrived at. 2. A focussed-research on the impact of retirement on the specific areas of mental health. This is to determine, in which area that the impact of retirement is most apparent. Also, despite the inconsistencies of the reviewed research studies, it is clear though that retirement poses additional challenge to older adults that may turn into an opportunity or additional problem. The implication of this is the need for retiring individuals to sufficiently prepare for this critical change in their life. It is in this area that health care providers should intervene to cushion foreseen negative effects and promote the positive ones. Limitations The limitation of the study lies on the availability of secondary materials that focus on the direct correlation of retirement to mental health. Almost all of the materials gathered study the general impact of retirement or the specific areas of mental health. But despite this limitation, the materials supplied substantial information that opened-up and widened understanding on the subject of study. References Baroff, G. S. and Olley, J. G. (1999). Mental retardation: Nature, cause, and management (3rd Edition). 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(2010). “Effect of retirement on major chronic conditions and fatigue: French GAZEL occupational cohort study.” British Medical Journal 341: c6149. doi: 10.1136/bmj.c6149. Zarit, S. H. and Zarit, J. M. (2007). Mental disorders in older adults: fundamentals of assessment and treatment. New York: Guilford Press. Read More