Post Retirement Syndrome: A Psycho-Social Perspective of The Retired Community of Pakistan

Background: Retirement is a major life shift that can have a deep impact on both psychological and social wellbeing. With the rise in aging population, the difficulties experienced by retirees, particularly in developing nations like Pakistan, are still underexplored. This study examined the psycho-social determinants that contributed to post-retirement depression and well-being in Pakistan. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at People's University of Medical & Health Sciences, The University of Modern Sciences, and Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, where participants aged 60 and above and had undergone statutory retirement from white-collar occupations were included in the study. Data were gathered from January 1, 2023, to June 31, 2023, utilizing a structural questionnaire based on consecutive sampling technique and validated instruments, such as Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). The sample size was calculated using OpenEpi software version 3.0.0, with a 95% confidence interval, resulting in a total of 192 participants. A Chi-square test was performed to determine the statistical significance of the data. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05 using SPSS version 20. Results: A strong association was found between depression levels and socio-demographic characteristics such as marital status, family structure, and time since retirement. Among widowed individuals, 56.4% experienced mild depression, while 21.8% faced moderate depression, and 21.8% had moderately severe depression. Participants from nuclear families showed a higher prevalence of depression, with 62.1% experiencing mild depression and 20.7% moderate depression. For retirees who had been retired for more than five years, 36.5% showed moderate depression, and 36.5% had moderately severe depression. Furthermore, retirees from non-authoritative jobs had a higher rate of depression, with 38.2% reporting moderate depression and 16.4% moderately severe depression. Statistical significance was found for marital status, family structure, nature of retiring job, and time since retirement (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study explored the psychological burden which was associated with retirement in Pakistan. Social support networks, mental health awareness, and governmental initiatives such as structured pension schemes and post-retirement engagement opportunities, were seen to be essential to improve the quality of life for retired individuals.