RetirementCompanion
The transition from working life to retirement is a significant life event that can affect older adults' health and mental health. This research project aims to support mental health during this process .
Factsheet
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Schools involved
School of Social Work
School of Engineering and Computer Science - Institute(s) Institute for Patient-centered Digital Health (PCDH)
- Research unit(s) PCDH / Digital Health Self-Management Lab
- Funding organisation Others
- Duration (planned) 01.06.2025 - 31.05.2028
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Head of project
Prof. Dr. Kerstin Denecke
Prof. Dr. Jonathan Bennett - Project staff Lana Cvijic
- Partner Velux Stiftung
- Keywords Digital health, mental health, patient-centered
Situation
The transition from working life to retirement can be challenging, impacting older adults’ health and wellbeing both positively and negatively. As retirement marks a gateway to older age, managing this transition successfully is crucial for healthy ageing. With shifting demographics and increased digital technology use among older adults, it is vital to explore how retirement experiences can be enhanced through supportive policies, technological interventions, and personalized retirement pathways. This research aims to support employees’ mental health during retirement by understanding these variables and proposing an innovative solution for healthier, more fulfilling retirements.
Course of action
We will use different methods, including reviewing the research literature, analyzing existing data, and involving potential users. This approach will help create a comprehensive picture of what affects mental health during retirement. Based on these findings, we develop a digital companion specifically designed to address the challenges retirees face.
Result
The digital companion will help retirees maintain their mental acuity, reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, and increase overall life satisfaction. Ultimately, this research aims to transform retirement from a potentially challenging transition into an opportunity for continued personal growth and well-being in later life.
