GENDER DIFFERENCES IN MENTAL-HEALTH BEFORE AND AFTER RETIREMENT - A LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS

A longitudinal research design was used to examine the relationship be tween retirement and mental health among 222 retirees (114 men and 108 women) at three different time periods: (1) at preretirement; (2) six months; and (3) one year later. Gender differences in the expression of symptoms, especially psychological anxiety, drinking problems, and health, were found across all three time periods. Retirement resulted in increases in drinking problems and psychological anxiety for both m en and women. Intervention strategies are discussed and recommended ba sed on how retirees experience symptoms. Gerontologists must recognize how significantly gender and retirement impact on the mental health o f older persons and consider these factors in their practice.