Stuart-Hamilton, (2006), in the Psychology of Ageing: an Introduction states that "... If an older person has a strong sense of social identity, this may cushion (but not remove) the negative effects of a decline in physical health" (Stuart-Hamilton, 2006, p. 183). However, retirees like Albert who do not have a sense of identity or of social 'belonging' can be subject to a wide range of negative effects. This is also supported by studies which suggest that "...psychosocial factors mediated the impact of illness on the ability of old people's daily living activities" (Stuart-Hamilton, 2006, p. 183).
3. Conclusion
In conclusion, there is a growing awareness of the psychological and sociological problems that the retired and elderly person faces when he or she retires from the active workforce. As one article on the subject states, "...retirement is not always the joyfilled time typical of American dreams. For some, it precipitates a life crisis that requires major readjustments in thinking, living patterns and relationships" (Brody, 1981). However, retirement need not necessarily be seen as the inevitable precursor to psychosocial problems: "Recent studies belie the widespread belief that the stress of retirement often precipitates serious illness and death" (Brody, 1981).
The growing number of retirees and elderly in our modern societies has tended to motivate a focus on this problem from many perspectives. This is noted by many researchers as a growing problem that will become worse in future without the necessary in-depth research and the implementation of specific psychological as well as sociological strategies to deal adequately with this problem.
References
Blazer D. 2002, Self-efficacy and depression in late life: a primary prevention proposal, Aging Mental Health, vol. 6, no.4, pp.315-324.
Brody, J. (1981) PERSONAL HEALTH. [Online] Available at http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE6DD1238F934A15756C0A967948260&sec=health&spon=&pagewanted=all[1Jan 2009].
CHAPTER 3 -- PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES, [Online], Available at http://www.geriatricsreviewsyllabus.org/content/agscontent/social6.htm[1 Jan 2009].
Fry P, and Debats D. 2002, Self-efficacy beliefs as predictors of loneliness and psychological distress in older adults, International Journal Aging Human Development,...
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