Retirement is no longer a concern solely for the second half of life. Rather, the idea that we will someday retire is increasingly present to all adults and it is even urged on adolescents. The earliest reaches of adulthood are being colonized by frequent reminders that it takes individual effort to achieve retirement. The changing nature of…

Asserts that the idea that retirement increases risk of illness and death persists because of the availability of vivid anecdotes, a tendency to interpret big events as major causes of illness, cultural celebration of work, theoretical perspectives in gerontology fostering expectations that retirement is disruptive, and misinterpretation of…

Compared changes in self-perceived levels of solitary, social, physical, and cultural activities among recent retirees with changes among continuing workers. Findings reflect a relative continuity in perception of leisure activity levels. Retirees did not see themselves as being more involved in leisure activities than their working peers.…

Suggests that retirement is legitimated on a day-to-day basis in part by an ethic that esteems leisure that is earnest, active, and occupied. This busy ethic, endorses conduct that is consistent with the abstract ideals of the work ethic. It helps individuals adapt to retirement. (Author/ABB)