The experiences of work: Retirees' perspectives and the relationship to the role of occupational therapy in the work-to-retirement transition process.

Abstract

Work experiences have the potential to influence retirement. Occupational therapists' understanding of the importance of engagement in occupation for active healthy ageing places them in a position to facilitate the work-to-retirement transition. To describe the experience of work from retirees' perspectives to understand the influence of work on retirement and to discuss the role of occupational therapy in the work-to-retirement transition. Semi-structured interviews with retirees were utilised. Thematic analysis identified themes and categories in relation to the experience of work. Categories were related to the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO). Eleven retirees were interviewed. Twelve categories relating to the experience of work were identified and were captured under three over-arching themes: Varied experiences and motivators; Intersection of work and life; and Impact of context. Categories collectively covered all MOHO concepts. Questions to guide therapeutic reasoning were developed to assist putting MOHO theory in to practice. Working experiences can be an influencing factor on retirement life. Occupational therapy could enable active healthy ageing through understanding the experience of work and how this can assist older workers to remain in the workforce, find a balance between work and other areas of life, and to choose retirement activities.