Paradox of life after work: A systematic review and meta-analysis on retirement anxiety and life satisfaction.

Journal: PLOS global public health

Volume: 4

Issue: 4

Year of Publication: 

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Social Science, Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Mafikeng, South Africa.

Abstract summary 

Retirement is a pivotal life transition that often changes routines, identity, and objectives. With increasing life expectancies and evolving societal norms, examining the interplay between retirement anxiety and life satisfaction is vital. This study delves into this relationship, recognising the complexities of retirement. A systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines. Research from 2003 to 2023 was sourced from databases like CINAHL, PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, ERIC, and Google Scholar, focusing on diverse methodologies and outcomes related to retirement registered in Prospero database (CRD42023427949). The quality assessment used an eight-criterion risk of bias scale, and analyses included qualitative and quantitative approaches, such as random-effects meta-analysis and moderator analyses. After reviewing 19 studies with varied geographical and demographic scopes, a mixed relationship between retirement and life satisfaction emerged: 32% of studies reported a positive relationship, 47% were negative, and 21% found no significant correlation. Meta-analysis indicated high heterogeneity and non-significant mean effect size, suggesting no consistent impact of retirement on life satisfaction. Moderator analyses highlighted the influence of measurement tools on outcomes. The findings reveal a complex interplay between retirement anxiety and life satisfaction, stressing the need for holistic retirement policies that encompass mental health, social integration, and adaptability, focusing on cultural sensitivity. Challenges include potential biases in data sources, methodological diversity, the scarcity of longitudinal studies, and difficulties in addressing recent societal shifts, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Variability in measurement tools and possible publication bias may have also influenced results. This study contributes to understanding retirement, emphasising the relationship between retirement anxiety and life satisfaction. It advocates for ongoing, detailed, culturally informed research to grasp retirement's multifaceted aspects fully.

Authors & Co-authors:  Ugwu Lawrence Ejike LE Ajele Wojujutari Kenni WK Idemudia Erhabor Sunday ES

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Bordia P., Read S., & Bordia S. (2020). Retiring: Role identity processes in retirement transition. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 41(5), 445–460. doi: 10.1002/job.2438
Authors :  3
Identifiers
Doi : e0003074
SSN : 2767-3375
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
Study Design
Longitudinal Study,Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Quantitative,Qualitative,Mixed Methods,Systemic Review
Country of Study
Publication Country
United States