Most persons seem to respond to economic incentives in choosing when to retire. While changes in the social security system are likely to have only small effects on retirement behavior, larger impacts could ensue from altering incentives implicit in private pension plans. Important area for future research is transition process that follows end of…

Presents findings on the work disincentives which are expected to be removed by the 1983 Amendments to the Social Security Act. Summarizes evidence on labor market conditions which may encourage early retirement. Discusses implications of this evidence for public policy and for the economic well-being of older Americans. (Author/ABB)

Current policies concerning income in old age are framed in terms of important Social Security and private pension developments. Criticisms of the "new Social Security" are viewed in the context of major problems associated with the options, especially private pensions. (Author)

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…

Considers retirement as widespread developmental transition. Seeks to exploit and advance Erikson's life cycle model by noting major transition challenges between generativity and integrity; distinguishing between tasks and outcomes in such transitions; and viewing such tasks as derived from historical, biological, psychological, and sociocultural…

Predicts declining confidence in Social Security, questioning of public's responsibility for elderly, organization proliferation, anticipated labor shortages, and trend to reengage in mainstream society. Sees result as greater emphasis on elderly's productive potential and a "common human need" policy in aging field. (Author/CM)

Supports seniority as a just principle for governing personnel decisions, under fair hiring and valid competence assessment. Argues that seniority reduces likelihood that senior citizens will be second-class citizens in workplace, that seniority rights protect older workers against age discrimination, and that seniority rights protect and increase…

Places the migration patterns of the elderly in a developmental perspective. Describes three kinds of moves which tend to occur among the aging in modern society: when they retire, when they experience moderate forms of disability, and when they have major forms of chronic disability. (Author/ABB)

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)