Definition and Attributes of Occupational Balance Following Retirement

Abstract

After retirement, the activities and roles of retirees change as their previously dominant activity and productivity is no longer a part of their routine. This transition can affect each retiree differently, and the risk of non-communicable diseases among retirees becomes more apparent due to lifestyle changes. Achieving occupational balance is crucial for successful ageing, life satisfaction, and subjective well-being in healthcare settings. However, occupational balance is defined and described differently across diverse populations. This study conducted a two-round Delphi study among 18 occupational therapy experts to identify the definition and attributes of occupational balance following retirement in Malaysia. The first round involved open-ended interviews exploring the definition and attributes of occupational balance, followed by a second round using close-ended questions to achieve experts' consensus. The study concluded that occupational balance is defined as an optimal engagement in meaningful and desired occupations, including self-care, productivity, and relaxing activities, according to the retirees' routines and contexts. The attributes were divided into four main groups, and 16 out of 21 statements achieved more than 80 per cent agreement among Malaysian OT experts. The study pioneers fundamental occupational therapy research central to Malaysian perspectives and contributes to healthcare research by exploring possible constructs associated with occupational balance following retirement. Future studies are necessary to explore the influence of each attribute on occupational balance.