Retirees and Meaningful Activity

Retirees who leave their hectic work lives often confront difficulties with replacing their 50- to 60-hour work weeks with new meaningful activities. For them, their experience of retirement involves a major transition to a new existence that challenges their sense of identity, thus undermining their overall well-being during this period (Kevles 67; Held 45). Apart from their withdrawal from a major social sphere of their lives, retirees are often distressed by the loss of control over their lives and their growing dependence on others. The erosion of their ability to care for themselves often generates feelings of helpless and hopelessness, which are debilitating for the retirees in the long run (Rosemond and Mercer 43).

A study comparing the activities of full-time employees with retirees indicated that retirees tended to participate in routine activities that limited their opportunity: a) to learn new things; b) engage in positive social interactions; and c) solve problems. The findings of Ross and Drentea's study indicated that retirees should participate in enjoyable activities that reinforced their independence and allowed them to learn new things in order to bolster their sense of control and lower their levels of psychological distress (317). Therefore, retirement homes and villages that can provide this type of living experience will prevent retirees from experiencing the loss of identity and depression that may arise from their dependency on others. The rem

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Category: Psychology - R