Retirement and Mental Health: A Contemporary Review of the Literature

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this literature review is to summarize the current understanding of the impact retirement has on mental health. We identify gaps in the literature with the intent of encouraging new perspectives and stimulating innovative research in service of better supporting older adults through an oft overlooked and challenging phase of life. Method: To produce a review representing a depth and breadth of quality research, articles were retrieved through a systematic search of current scholarly sources published from 2000 to the present. Well-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria were followed to complete the review. Results: A total of 513 articles were identified for initial review, but only 14 articles met the inclusion criteria. Results from these articles are mixed with respect to the mental health effects of retirement. Conclusions: The findings of this review highlight the scarcity of recent research examining the impact of retirement on mental health in the United States. Retirement is an important transition, and better preparation for the many changes that accompany it could help older adults make a smoother transition to their new walk of life. Quality research on the mental health effects of retirement is needed to help drive changes in social policy to support individuals nearing (or at) retirement age. This research will also help clinicians who work with older adults to better support their patients during a particularly challenging adjustment in life.