Factors predicting a good retirement

Objective:

We actually don't like the term 'retirement' and if we had our way (particularly given the evidence of the last lecture) you'll understand the importance of work as part of a living a full and happy life. Retirement may however be a goal for some people and it's important to acknowledge it here because a good retirement doesn't start when you 'stop' work. A good retirement is made up of foundations you put in place now. This lecture is an opportunity to think and consider more broadly the importance of the bigger picture and what things you can put in place now to help ensure if we do retire, you've put in some good foundations now.

We invite you in this section to watch this interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fy_3QmW2Dg&t=23s

Those of you who are highly observant will have noticed the researcher in two of the studies we shared on volunteering and the impact of this on health was a man called Martin Hyde. We invited Martin to an interview with our members which we recorded. In this video we discuss:

• The differences between men and women and their experiences of retirement and preparing for and adjusting to retirement. The importance (in particular for men) to do more to build their social networks prior to retirement
• Our concept of social identity and how it seems to be harder for men to 'give up' the job title or status that comes with 'work'.
• Very few people take on volunteering once they retire. The biggest factor that predicts volunteering is if they've done it in the past (past behaviour is always a stronger predictor of future behaviour than anything else). In other words, get a hobby, get volunteering - start building up those networks because if you currently only have 'work' as your source of relationships and social interaction, if and when that comes to an end, you will find it much harder to adjust than others.
• What do organisations need to do to help people adjust to and prepare for a better later life.
• The importance of control and if you have autonomy over the decisions you make regarding your work life balance.

Task:

Your task is to reflect on what hobbies and activities you are doing to broaden your interests and activities outside of conventional 'work'.

Complete this element of the task sheet.