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Changes in life satisfaction and leisure-time physical activity across retirement transition: the FIREA cohort study

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Listed:
  • Miika Tuominen

    (University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
    University of Turku and Turku University Hospital)

  • Säde Stenlund

    (University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
    Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health)

  • Kristin Suorsa

    (University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
    University of Turku and Turku University Hospital)

  • Jaana Pentti

    (University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
    University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
    University of Helsinki)

  • Jussi Vahtera

    (University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
    University of Turku and Turku University Hospital)

  • Tuija Leskinen

    (University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
    University of Turku and Turku University Hospital)

  • Pasi Koski

    (University of Turku)

  • Sari Stenholm

    (University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
    University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
    University of Turku and Turku University Hospital)

Abstract

Retirement brings changes in daily life, which may have implications for life satisfaction and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). This study sought to examine associations between concurrent changes in life satisfaction and LTPA across retirement, addressing gaps in understanding how life satisfaction influences physical activity in retirees. Study included 3535 public sector workers (83% women) from the Finnish Retirement and Aging study with annual surveys before and after retirement. Participants were categorized based on their Life Satisfaction Scale responses before and after retirement into Stable Low, Low-Increasing, Intermediate-Decreasing, Stable Intermediate, Intermediate-Increasing, High-Decreasing, and Stable High life satisfaction. Self-reported weekly LTPA during past 12 months was summarized as metabolic equivalent hours (METh/week). Generalized estimating equations were used to examine changes in LTPA across retirement transition among these groups, adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related factors. Compared to Stable Low, Low-Increasing life satisfaction was associated with increasing LTPA (mean difference 4.16 METh/week, 95%CI 0.85 to7.47). Compared to Stable Intermediate, Intermediate-Increasing life satisfaction was associated with increasing LTPA (mean difference 1.96 METh/week, 95%CI 0.03 to 3.88), while Intermediate-Decreasing life satisfaction was linked to decreasing LTPA (mean difference −3 .79 METh/week, 95%CI −7.62 to 0.04). No differences were observed between Stable High and High-Decreasing life satisfaction. Changes in life satisfaction during retirement transition are associated with changes in LTPA, especially among those with low or intermediate life satisfaction before retirement. Further research is needed to assess, whether supporting life satisfaction in retirees could foster greater engagement in LTPA.

Suggested Citation

  • Miika Tuominen & Säde Stenlund & Kristin Suorsa & Jaana Pentti & Jussi Vahtera & Tuija Leskinen & Pasi Koski & Sari Stenholm, 2025. "Changes in life satisfaction and leisure-time physical activity across retirement transition: the FIREA cohort study," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 22(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujoag:v:22:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s10433-025-00865-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10433-025-00865-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Virpi Kuvaja-Köllner & Hannu Valtonen & Pirjo Komulainen & Maija Hassinen & Rainer Rauramaa, 2013. "The impact of time cost of physical exercise on health outcomes by older adults: the DR’s EXTRA Study," The European Journal of Health Economics, Springer;Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gesundheitsökonomie (DGGÖ), vol. 14(3), pages 471-479, June.
    2. K. C. Prakash & Marianna Virtanen & Soili Törmälehto & Saana Myllyntausta & Jaana Pentti & Jussi Vahtera & Sari Stenholm, 2022. "Changes in life satisfaction during the transition to retirement: findings from the FIREA cohort study," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 19(4), pages 1587-1599, December.
    3. Orlaith Tunney & Kène Henkens & Hanna van Solinge & Markus Schafer, 2023. "A Life of Leisure? Investigating the Differential Impact of Retirement on Leisure Activity," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 78(10), pages 1775-1784.
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