Psychological morbidity after job retirement: A review

Abstract

Retirement from work is usually an inevitable and significant social life event for many elderly. The retirement age is generally around 60 years. It can have negative or positive effect in old age depending on other factors such as frailty, slowing cognitive functions, multiple physical health problems, medications and sensory impairment. The objective of the study is to discuss psychological morbidity in persons following retirement in Indian context. Previous studies indicate possible cross-cultural differences with conflicting findings of positive and negative impact on mental health following retirement in the developed countries. Few available Indian studies on this topic suggest lower self-esteem, low mood, physical health and financial insecurity as mental health consequences following retirement. There is need for prospective studies from India to evaluate the impact of retirement on psychological morbidity as well as the role of related social factors, as the effects on mental health post retirement is more likely to be culture specific.

Keywords: Elderly; Mental health; Psychological issues; Retirement.