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

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  • Vigezzi, Giacomo Pietro
  • Barbati, Chiara
  • Maggioni, Elena
  • Stenholm, Sari
  • Odone, Anna
  • Amerio, A.
  • Ardito, C.
  • Bertuccio, P.
  • Costa, G.
  • d’Errico, A.
  • Gentile, L.
  • Odone, A.
  • Vigezzi, G.P.

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Vigezzi, Giacomo Pietro & Barbati, Chiara & Maggioni, Elena & Stenholm, Sari & Odone, Anna & Amerio, A. & Ardito, C. & Bertuccio, P. & Costa, G. & d’Errico, A. & Gentile, L. & Odone, A. & Vigezzi, G.P, 2025. "Impact of retirement transition on health, well-being and health behaviours: critical insights from an overview of reviews," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 375(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:375:y:2025:i:c:s027795362500379x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118049
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    References listed on IDEAS

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