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For many people, retirement means relaxing days indulging in their hobbies and real interests. However, for others, it may mean a stressful transition into financially unstable days and medical insecurity. 

The differences in how people perceive this significant life transition can affect one's mental health. 

In a recent study, researchers explored the mental health effects of retirement among female workers in China. Leveraging China's retirement age policy and national medical data, researchers focused on disparities between blue-collar workers like factory workers and white-collar workers like office managers.

Understanding the disparities

In China, blue-collar women retire at 50, while white-collar women retire at 55. Analyzing hospital records before and after retirement ages, the study revealed a notable increase in mental health-related hospital admissions and emergency room visits for blue-collar women post-retirement. Conversely, there was no such trend among white-collar retirees.

Associate professor Xi Chen noted that job loss and reduced income may disproportionately affect blue-collar workers, who often lack resources to cope with such changes. The study's findings underscore the need for targeted support for at-risk groups, particularly in mental health preparation for retirement.

Implications for policy and support

As China struggles with its aging population, study lead author Tianyu Wang emphasized the importance of earlier support and reevaluating retirement policies to address the diverse needs of workers.

Study co-senior author and professor Jody L. Sindelar highlighted the relevance of considering mental health alongside financial factors in retirement planning. Suggestions included increasing wages and benefits for low-income blue-collar women and offering better retirement preparation.

While focused on China, the study's implications extend globally, particularly to countries facing similar demographic shifts. As populations age and retirement systems evolve, understanding and addressing the mental health impact of retirement become increasingly critical for policymakers and societies at large.