Schwingel Andiara, Niti Mathew M, Tang Catherine, Ng Tze Pin
Gerontology Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074.
Age Ageing. 2009 Sep;38(5):531-7. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afp089. Epub 2009 May 27.
to examine the effect of late life engagement in continued work involvement or volunteer activities during retirement on mental well-being.
two waves of data from the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Studies were analyzed for 2,716 Singaporeans aged 55 or above at baseline and 1,754 at 2-year follow-up. Trained research nurses interviewed participants (non-volunteering retiree, volunteering retiree, and working seniors) on mental health status (geriatric depression scale, Mini Mental State Examination, positive mental wellbeing and life satisfaction).
about 88% of seniors were retired (78% non-volunteering, 10% volunteering) and 12% were still working in paid employment or business. At baseline and 2 year follow up, and regardless of physical health status, volunteering retirees and working seniors gave significantly better MMSE cognitive performance scores, fewer depressive symptoms, and better mental well-being and life satisfaction than non-volunteering retirees.
the results of this study suggest that continued work involvement or volunteerism provides opportunities for social interaction and engagement and may be associated with enhanced mental well-being. Future research should clarify which specific aspects of volunteerism are related to long-term mental well-being.
探讨退休后继续参与工作或志愿活动对老年人心理健康的影响。
对新加坡纵向老龄化研究的两波数据进行分析，基线时纳入2716名年龄在55岁及以上的新加坡人，两年随访时为1754人。训练有素的研究护士就心理健康状况（老年抑郁量表、简易精神状态检查表、积极心理健康和生活满意度）对参与者（非志愿退休人员、志愿退休人员和在职老年人）进行访谈。
约88%的老年人已退休（78%为非志愿退休，10%为志愿退休），12%仍在从事有偿工作或经营生意。在基线和两年随访时，无论身体健康状况如何，志愿退休人员和在职老年人在简易精神状态检查表认知表现得分上显著更高，抑郁症状更少，心理健康和生活满意度也高于非志愿退休人员。
本研究结果表明，继续参与工作或志愿活动为社交互动和参与提供了机会，可能与心理健康状况改善有关。未来研究应阐明志愿活动的哪些具体方面与长期心理健康相关。
