Retirement and social support networks

Abstract

Work plays a significant role in people’s lives by providing access to economic resources, interpersonal connections, as well as the achievement of goals and recognition. Work helps structure daily life, that’s why a change in this relationship, such as the transition to retirement, is likely to have impacts on people’s lives. There are different impacts that may arise from retirement, including on informal social support networks. Based on a qualitative methodology, carried out through 22 biographical interviews with retired individuals, the aim of this research was to capture the impacts of retirement on family relationships. Regarding interaction with the spouse, three types of impacts were identified (positive, adaptive and negative), while in relationships with other family members it was possible to understand the dynamics of reciprocity in terms of the provided and received support by the interviewees.