Retirement experiences of older adults with depression
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Retirement Experiences of Older Adults Referred to Mental Health Services for Depression: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
IRAS ID
367705
Contact name
Sarah Mackie
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Glasgow
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 22 days
Research summary
Retirement is an important life transition that can influence the mental wellbeing of older adults, with evidence showing mixed findings regarding its role as a protective or risk factor for depression. Despite this, limited qualitative research has explored how retirement is experienced by individuals engaged with mental health services.
This study aims to explore how older adults with depression following retirement interpret and give meaning to their retirement experiences. It seeks to understand how retirement is perceived to affect their mental health and identify the key factors shaping these experiences.
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) will be used to analyse semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with six to eight participants aged 65 and over. Recruitment will occur through Older People’s Community Mental Health Teams (OPCMHT) within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC). Eligible participants will have retired within the past five years, be fluent in English and have capacity to reflect on their experiences. Individuals with severe cognitive impairment or at acute risk of suicide or self-harm will be excluded. Interviews will be audio recorded and transcribed, before being analysed using IPA’s idiographic and interpretative framework.
Findings hope to offer clinically relevant insights to support psychological assessment and intervention with older adults experiencing depression in the retirement context. The study aims to enhance understanding of how retirement interacts with mental health and to inform clinical practice, service provision and policy. Results will be submitted in partial fulfilment of the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Glasgow.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/EM/0114
Date of REC Opinion
9 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion