To work after retirement: a qualitative study among mental health nursing assistants

Figures & data

Table 1 Thematic structure.

1. Adjustment difficulties to life as fully retired

1.1. Lack of interests and reduced social network outside work

1.2. Retirement as stagnation and “the end of the road”

1.3. Preference for phased retirement

2. Good health as a precondition to work and a consequence of working

2.1 Good health and work ability as a precondition to post-retirement work

2.2. Work as a health booster and a “free zone” from aging

3. The intrinsic joy of working and the importance of feeling competent

3.1. It is not (only) about the money – the intrinsic joy of working due to valued job characteristics

3.2. Occupational self-efficacy

4. Work and organization-related factors contributed to well-being at work and facilitated an extended working life

4.1. A positive and supportive social climate and a good relationship with the managers

4.2. Feeling welcome and recognized within the organization – an age-friendly environment

4.3. Flexibility, control over working time, and opportunities for recovery

4.4. Possibilities for using compensation strategies to maintain work ability