Stress in Retired Adults – Stressors, Symptoms and Coping Strategies

Stress is one of the main determinants of health and can cause several chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, depression or obesity. The aim of the presented study was the determination of stress of retirees (RG) and the differences in comparison to older employees (OEG). A questionnaire consisting of different validated instruments was completed by 243 adults aged over 50 years. We collected data about stressors, symptoms and coping strategies in older adults and investigated factors influencing stress in older adults. Retired adults are stressed on a medium level and mostly due to health issues. There are many socio-demographic factors (e.g., education), as well as health (e.g. number of chronic diseases) and social aspects (e.g., voluntary work), influencing the stress level of retirees. We found hardly any differences in stress levels, symptoms and coping strategies between the two groups. However, the number of reported stressors was significantly higher in the OEG than in the RG. The finding that stress declined with retirement cannot be confirmed by the presented study. Although the number of stressors declined, the stress level is consistent.