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Impact of retirement transition on health, well-being and health behaviours: critical insights from an overview of reviews

Retirement is a pivotal life course transition wich may have profound implications for health, well-being and health behaviours. Despite extensive research and theoretical debate, the impact of retirement on health remains inconclusive, with studies reporting positive, negative, or no effects. This overview of reviews synthesises evidence from 15 systematic reviews (4 meta-analyses) assessing the relationship between retirement and physical and mental health outcomes and health behaviours. 

28. oktober 2025

Findings indicate that retirement's impact varies widely depending on socioeconomic status (SES), job characteristics, and individual lifestyle factors. Retirees with higher SES generally experience improved mental health and increased physical activity, whereas those with lower SES are more prone to declines in physical and mental health, increased sedentary behaviour, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Evidence on cognitive decline and mortality remains mixed.