Health state perception of people close to retirement age: Relationship with lifestyle habits and subjects’ characteristics
Metadatos
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CellPress
Materia
Ageing people Lifestyle habits Retirement Perceived health Healthy ageing
Date
2023-07-17Referencia bibliográfica
D. Monge-Martín et al. Health state perception of people close to retirement age: Relationship with lifestyle habits and subjects’ characteristics. Heliyon 9 (2023) e17995[https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17995]
Résumé
Aim: Societal ageing increases the need for correct and healthy ageing to ensure the well-being of
older adults. Practical strategies are needed to acquire healthy habits for the ageing process. This
study aims to analyse the lifestyle habits of subjects who are retired or close to retirement and
identify factors that could influence their perceived health and that could be related to these
habits.
Methods: A Spanish observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study of subjects close to
retirement-age. Socio-demographic, family, work, leisure, social, and clinical-psychological indicators
were evaluated.
Results: 1,700 participants (581 employed; 714 retirees; 405 other-status) were included, average
age 63 years, 52% women. Most reported a satisfactory social life (90%), were in live-in relationships
(74%), non-smoking (80%), followed a Mediterranean diet (73%), and took medicines
daily (70%). Perceived health (EQ-VAS) was 75.9/100, with low disability (12-WHODAS) (7.4/
100) and moderate/severe depression. Women reported higher disability (p < 0.001) and
depression (p < 0.001), a better social life, and healthier lifestyle, but lower physical/work activity.
Retirees reported less depression, better social life, healthier lifestyle, higher physical/work
activity, and better sleeping habits. The multivariate model showed a significant association of
health-status with disability level, number of chronic diseases, sleep habits, exercise, diet, and
alcohol consumption. When depression level was introduced, age and being a woman were also
related.
Conclusions: Retirement does not mean worse health but rather an opportunity to reinforce
favourable health activities and improve lifestyle factors. Incorporating the differences related to
gender and employment status in health-perception will facilitate the design of healthy ageing
strategies