[Adjustment to retirement].

Abstract

Rather frequently a person's commitment to his work is taken as one of the factors that thwart his adaptation to retirement. However, research has pointed out that people of different socio-economic classes do not in the same degree commit themselves to their work. Moreover a strong commitment to work does not necessarily lead to a negative attitude towards retirement, nor does a loose tie to one's work always lead to a positive attitude towards retirement. Factors that are more important to facilitate adaptation to retirement, are: to have sufficient means of subsistence, satisfying relationships, a good health, and the possibility to lead an active life. These requirements will be more frequently met with people of the higher and middle occupational level than with those of the lower level. Therefore, the former may be expected to show a better adaptation to retirement.