Longitudinal data for 58 male subjects were used to examine intensively the process of adaptation to retirement. Evidence of high levels of adaptation in the sample was reflected in the overwhelming stability of morale over time. Multiple regression analysis indicated social resources condition the relationship between adaptation and retirement.…

Investigates the possibility that attitude toward retirement results from the worker's realistic appraisal of the type of retirement experience expected. Data collected from industrial workers (N=70) indicate that workers who can expect a positive retirement experience in terms of finances and friends are likely to have a positive attitude toward…

Primarily middle-class women (N=212) were classified as "still working,""retired," or "housewives most of their lives" according to self-report. Analysis showed women who have worked much of their lives are not at a disadvantage relative to those who have not in terms of number of social resources at their disposal. (Author)

A stress model was developed to explore the impact of role loss upon the lives of the elderly. Cumulative data was used to test the model separately for men and women. Results indicated that role loss does have an indirect and direct effect on coping resources and life satisfaction. (Author)

Two experimental groups and a control group were used to evaluate a comprehensive group discussion program and an individual briefing program's effect upon the retire- ment experience. Questionnaire data were collected prior to program initiation and again six years later. Posttest data indicate no significant effect of either program. (Author)

Utilized National Longitudinal Surveys of Mature Men to test effect of retirement on happiness and to analyze an evaluation of retirement item to discern factors that cause lower satisfaction with retirement. Results suggest health factors, recent widowhood, and income have the greatest impact on happiness with life. (Author)

Changes in retirement attitudes tend to be relatively insignificant. Selected occupational categories differ, however, as do employed and retired persons at the end of the 10-year study. Also, results vary somewhat by the item used to measure attitudes toward retirement, with more negative attitudes toward personal dimensions. (Author)

Effects of major life events, and of types of resources, on the physical and social-psychological adaptation of participants in a longitudinal study were examined. Medical events had the most impact on physical adaptation but had little impact on social-psychological adaptation. Retirement had the most negative social-psychological effects.…

Participation in the Senior Adult Education Program eases the transition from the primary occupational role into the retirement role. Intergenerational social distance appears to be minimal between older and younger college students, thus facilitating the sharing of a common campus. (Author/MFD)

Describes an epidemiological study of the patterns and correlates of survival after early (age 62 to 64) and normal retirement (age 65). Death rates were significantly elevated during the first, fourth, and fifth years after early retirement. Pre-retirement health status was the only significant predictor of survival after early retirement.…

Assessed whether part-time employment affects the perceived health, life satisfaction, and activity of urban retirees (N=55). Program participants were hired to perform park maintenance. Interviews after the 6-month program revealed significant, positive effects of paid employment on measures of perceived health and life satisfaction. (Author/JAC)

Japan is an exception to the general rule that modernization causes a sharp decline in status and integration of the aged. The high status of the elders is reflected in many private and public practices which give precedence to older persons. (Author)

Vroom's expectancy theory model to predict older worker's choices between employment or retirement hypothesized that a person's preference would be a function of differences between instrumentality of employment and retirement for attainment of outcomes, multiplied by the valence of each outcome, summed over outcomes. Results supported the…

Data from a national survey showed that: retirement is not directly associated with visiting friends, identity, or well-being; lack of community activities is the strongest predictor of an older identity for both working and retired men; community activities have the strongest effect on the well-being of both. (Author/JAC)