A Survey of Retirement Planning by Texas Psychiatrists

Abstract

Forty-six percent (274 of 600) of the members of the Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians responded to a mailed survey that addressed retirement issues. Forty-seven percent of respondents were 60 to 69 years of age. Only 12% were female. Ninety-one percent were white, with 86% of respondents married. Only 24% of the sample (66 of 274) were retired at the time of the survey. Although engaged in more than one area of professional activity, 71% were involved in private practice, with 51% practicing in a private office. The major reasons for retiring were “a full life and ready to change pace” (52%) and “retired to pursue other interests” (25%). Twenty percent retired because of physical illness. A mixed financial package formed their retirement package, which included social security (80%), personal savings (73%), Keogh (64%), and state/US government monies (39%). Retired psychiatrists were interested in receiving additional information on successful patterns of retirement (21%), maintaining emotional and physical health (17%), and material on the problems and trials of retirement (15%). Leisure-time activities were varied, and most psychiatrists reported two to four activities. According to 39% of the sample, retirement should be discussed during medical school, 46% indicated that it should be discussed during residency training, and 80% selected Continuing Medical Education courses. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1993;1:14–19).