Predicting trajectories of physical activity after transition to retirement

Abstract

Background: Transition to retirement is a turning point for many older adults. Whereas some studies find increases, others report decreases in physical activity after transition to retirement. Quantitative and qualitative research suggests socio-economic status, social factors, activity habits and purpose seeking as predictors. This study aimed at describing longitudinal trajectories of activity after transition into retirement in Polish and German retirees with a special focus on sex differences, as these were hypothesized to relate to social factors. Methods: N=596 newly retired participants aged 65 or older (n=266 Polish, n=330 German retirees) self-reported their moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA), socio-demographic data, social and individuals resources over 4 points in time (over 12 months, controls: age, time since retirement, health). Findings: Growth Curve Models showed that gender predicts early (T1-T2) and later changes (T1-T4) in activity patterns in Germans: Whereas women increased their MVPA almost linearly over 12 months (T1:173min, T4:248min), men reported an initial decrease and remained on that level afterwards (T1:214min, T4:182min; change T1-T2 on sex β=-.23, SE=.09, p=.02; change T1-T4 in sex β=-.19, SE=.07, p=.02). In Poland both sexes decreased their activity initially, but increased to original levels afterwards. Discussion: Trajectories of physical activity after transition to retirement were highly individual. First results for Germans show that women increased their activity and men decreased it, whereas no sex differences occurred in Poland. These differences will further be explored by taking marital status, social support and self-efficacy into account.