Can the retirement transition be used to influence health promotion interventions on physical activity and sedentary behaviour in older persons?

Abstract

Research Purpose: To explore predictors of Physical Activity (PA) and Sedentary Behaviours (SB) at the stage of the retirement transition. This work was partly funded by the ENDEAVOUR scholarship scheme - Group B - National funds - Malta (MEDE/1117/2017/43) Conclusion: The retirement transition offers physiotherapists an opportune moment to influence the health behaviour of their patients by taking advantage of the adjustment period to influence a positive health impact. Methods: Founded on a social constructionist approach, using a narrative methodology, 20 (twenty) persons living the retirement transition were interviewed on two occasions, at approximately 1 year before and after their retirement date (time interval 2 years). Participant perception towards PA & SB was sought, including their personal views as to how retirement could impact / did impact these health behaviours. The rich data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and structural narrative analysis. Background: Retirement is a life event which is characterised by an individual’s exit from the workforce, with behavioural withdrawal from work. Conclusion: The retirement transition offers physiotherapists an opportune moment to influence the health behaviour of their patients by taking advantage of the adjustment period to influence a positive health impact.