OBJETIVOS: Estimar a prevalência de perda auditiva entre os motoristas de ônibus aposentados da cidade de São Paulo e verificar a influência da perda auditiva na qualidade de vida desses trabalhadores. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, com uma amostra composta por 309 motoristas de ônibus aposentados da cidade de São Paulo. Os trabalhadores foram submetidos a exame audiométrico e aplicação de questionário sobre qualidade de vida criado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (WHOQOL- Bref), além de questões gerais e de saúde auditiva. Foram estudados 309 motoristas de ônibus aposentados da cidade de São Paulo entre 45 e 60 anos de idade com média de 56.8 anos. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de perda auditiva encontrada nesta população foi de 60.2% em pelo menos uma das orelhas. Considerou-se como variável dependente o valor do escore obtido através da aplicação do WHOQOL - Bref e como variáveis independentes todas as demais variáveis agregadas ao questionário. Pôde-se constatar que houve força de associação entre pior qualidade de vida e idade, renda, e presença de perda auditiva. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de perda auditiva entre os motoristas de ônibus aposentados foi de 60.2%, em pelo menos uma das orelhas. Houve força de associação entre pior qualidade de vida e idade, renda, e presença de perda auditiva nos motoristas entrevistados / OBJECTIVE: To estimate the hearing loss prevalence between retired bus drivers of São Paulos city and to verify the influence of hearing loss on the quality of life of this kind of workers. METHODS: Transversal study, with a sample of 309 retired bus drivers of São Paulo city. Workers were submitted to an audiometry exam and appliance of lifes quality questionnaire created by World Health Organization (WHOQOL Bref) , general questions and questions about hearing health. It has been studied 309 retired bus drivers in São Paulo city, ages between 45 and 60 years, with average of 56.8 years. RESULTS: The incidence of hearing loss found on this group was 60.2% in at least one of the ears. It has been considered as the dependent variable the score value obtained thru the application of WHOQOL- Bref and as independent variables all other variables added to the questionnaire. Strength of association was found between worsened quality of life, age, income and hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of hearing loss found was of 60.2%. There was a significant association between worsened quality of life, age, income, and hearing loss

OBJETIVOS: Estimar a prevalência de perda auditiva entre os motoristas de ônibus aposentados da cidade de São Paulo e verificar a influência da perda auditiva na qualidade de vida desses trabalhadores. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, com uma amostra composta por 309 motoristas de ônibus aposentados da cidade de São Paulo. Os trabalhadores foram submetidos a exame audiométrico e aplicação de questionário sobre qualidade de vida criado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (WHOQOL- Bref), além de questões gerais e de saúde auditiva. Foram estudados 309 motoristas de ônibus aposentados da cidade de São Paulo entre 45 e 60 anos de idade com média de 56.8 anos. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de perda auditiva encontrada nesta população foi de 60.2% em pelo menos uma das orelhas. Considerou-se como variável dependente o valor do escore obtido através da aplicação do WHOQOL - Bref e como variáveis independentes todas as demais variáveis agregadas ao questionário. Pôde-se constatar que houve força de associação entre pior qualidade de vida e idade, renda, e presença de perda auditiva. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de perda auditiva entre os motoristas de ônibus aposentados foi de 60.2%, em pelo menos uma das orelhas. Houve força de associação entre pior qualidade de vida e idade, renda, e presença de perda auditiva nos motoristas entrevistados / OBJECTIVE: To estimate the hearing loss prevalence between retired bus drivers of São Paulos city and to verify the influence of hearing loss on the quality of life of this kind of workers. METHODS: Transversal study, with a sample of 309 retired bus drivers of São Paulo city. Workers were submitted to an audiometry exam and appliance of lifes quality questionnaire created by World Health Organization (WHOQOL Bref) , general questions and questions about hearing health. It has been studied 309 retired bus drivers in São Paulo city, ages between 45 and 60 years, with average of 56.8 years. RESULTS: The incidence of hearing loss found on this group was 60.2% in at least one of the ears. It has been considered as the dependent variable the score value obtained thru the application of WHOQOL- Bref and as independent variables all other variables added to the questionnaire. Strength of association was found between worsened quality of life, age, income and hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of hearing loss found was of 60.2%. There was a significant association between worsened quality of life, age, income, and hearing loss

Lack of trust in technology, personal preference, and perceived inability to use online services are possible reasons for lagged adaptation to electronic government (e-government) among older adults in the United States. Although e-government policies promote, or require, that many public services be provided electronically, it is unclear whether older adults are able, or willing, to access such services. The purpose of this qualitative, exploratory study was to gain insight from older adults (e.g., "individuals who are 65 years or older") about their ability and willingness to access e-government services in a mid-Atlantic County. The framework for this research was Roger's diffusion of innovation theory. Data were collected via interviews with 21 older adults and then inductively coded and subjected to a thematic analysis procedure. Most participants reported using e-government services in some capacity, while the remaining 10% did not because of vision issues, the overabundance of information, personal dislike of technology, and/or the belief that e-government was not conducive for self-management. However, 28% of the participants who had used e-government preferred face-to-face interactions with people instead of online servicing while also recognizing the benefits of e-government services in terms of convenience. Moreover, participants suggested that e-government usage might improve if explanations of online terminology, examples of services, and instruction on primary online services, such as web services, are offered. The study may contribute to positive social change by providing information that federal, state, and local government officials can use to develop policies for e-government accessibility, types of services, and alternative options for the aging population.

Friends benefit both our psychological and our emotional well-being by increasing overall happiness, life satisfaction, and a positive sense of self among women. Often, however, friendships decrease in the later years. The purpose of this study is to learn more about divorced or widowed, retired women and their friendships, specifically, whether friendships changed from work to retirement. Friendships have been clearly identified by women as a significant component of retirement life. The importance of friendship increases with age, and friends have been found to buffer single women in particular from becoming isolated in retirement. The sample recruited for this study consisted of 20 single, career women who had been retired between five and ten years and who were not coresiding with another person. This study utilized in-depth, qualitative interviewing to enable participants to define themselves and their experiences. Overall, it appeared as though these women were very satisfied with retirement and considered it to be a positive experience. Even though workplace friendships had gradually been lost since retirement, this loss was considered normal and former coworkers were considered to be on different paths from the retirees. Workplace friends were often not whom the women felt closest to or socialized with preretirement; consequently this gradual drifting and loss of workplace friendships was not considered problematic. The women overall were making new friends. Various types of discord among friends were also reported. Discord had negative affects but did not necessarily cause dissolution of the friendship. Betrayal was often an incentive to immediately end a friendship; however, betrayal was uncommon. Friends played a major role in these women's lives. The emotional aspects of the women's friendships were reported to be most important. Friends helped these women feel valued and provided a substantial amount of support to one another. The findings of this study should assure those divorced or widowed women who may be nearing retirement that the adjustment to retirement need not be difficult, especially if one has supportive friends. / Graduation date: 2003

Immigration is not new to Ecuador. Beginning in the early 2000s, the amenities migration phenomenon gained popularity in Ecuador, especially in the UNESCO World Heritage Trust Site of Cuenca, located about five and a half hours south of Quito and four hours east of Guayaquil in the Andes Mountains. This study combines literary research on retirement migration and a case study on the retired expatriate community in Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador. The limited case study includes twelve in-depth interviews with retired expatriates living in Cuenca and nine interviews with Cuencanos that interact with retired expatriates daily. According to the expatriates, the advantages of living in Cuenca include the cheaper lifestyle, year-round spring-like weather, and a slower pace of life. The disadvantages consist of the concept of “Ecuadorian time” and the indirectness of Cuencanos. Data suggest that Cuencanos value the presence of retired expatriates because they help stimulate the economy, but they resent the impenetrable language barrier and their cultural disengagement. The Cuencanos’ responses also indicate that a deeper understanding of the country and culture is necessary on behalf of the retired expatriates to facilitate their integration into the existing culture rather than trying to create an exclusive subculture within Cuenca.

Age brings about that physical strength diminishes and in many cases there is also a loss of social contact. Older people possess years of knowledge based on experience which can be applied effectively in a service centre to the advantage of other older people. Amongst others, Section A contains the problem statement, research objectives and procedures that were undertaken. The overarching aim of this investigation was to establish the role of the retired volunteer in the functioning of Potchefstroom Service Centre for Older People. To reach the aim, the following objectives were aimed at: Obiective 1. To establish what the reasons are for retired people to become involved in Potchefstroom Service Centre of Older People as volunteers. Obiective 2. To establish in what area of the service centre retired people are involved as volunteers. Obiective 3. To establish the psychosocial functioning, self-perception, work values and profile of the retired volunteer involved in Potchefstroom Service Centre for Older People. Obiective 4. To determine what volunteers of the service centre for older people expect of the staff regarding, for instance, acknowledgement, responsibilities and remuneration. Section B contains the two articles in which the outcomes of the research were reported. Article 1 pertains to the reasons why older people become involved in service centres as volunteers and in which areas. Article 2 enters into the psychosocial functioning, self-perception, work values, profile and expectations of the retired volunteer. In Section C a synopsis of the most important findings and conclusions regarding the investigation was presented in its entirety. Additionally, recommendations were made and the contribution of the investigation was highlighted. Section D contains addendums to the research report such as the self-compiled questionnaire and the standardised questionnaire. The dissertation was concluded in Section E with a comprehensive reference list. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Age brings about that physical strength diminishes and in many cases there is also a loss of social contact. Older people possess years of knowledge based on experience which can be applied effectively in a service centre to the advantage of other older people. Amongst others, Section A contains the problem statement, research objectives and procedures that were undertaken. The overarching aim of this investigation was to establish the role of the retired volunteer in the functioning of Potchefstroom Service Centre for Older People. To reach the aim, the following objectives were aimed at: Obiective 1. To establish what the reasons are for retired people to become involved in Potchefstroom Service Centre of Older People as volunteers. Obiective 2. To establish in what area of the service centre retired people are involved as volunteers. Obiective 3. To establish the psychosocial functioning, self-perception, work values and profile of the retired volunteer involved in Potchefstroom Service Centre for Older People. Obiective 4. To determine what volunteers of the service centre for older people expect of the staff regarding, for instance, acknowledgement, responsibilities and remuneration. Section B contains the two articles in which the outcomes of the research were reported. Article 1 pertains to the reasons why older people become involved in service centres as volunteers and in which areas. Article 2 enters into the psychosocial functioning, self-perception, work values, profile and expectations of the retired volunteer. In Section C a synopsis of the most important findings and conclusions regarding the investigation was presented in its entirety. Additionally, recommendations were made and the contribution of the investigation was highlighted. Section D contains addendums to the research report such as the self-compiled questionnaire and the standardised questionnaire. The dissertation was concluded in Section E with a comprehensive reference list. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

The study explored the relationship between retirement and marital status and objective and subjective measures of social support. A secondary analysis was conducted on a sample of 6,662 men and women aged 55-70 years of age. Results of a series of 2-way ANOVAs revealed greater interaction with friends amongst retired individuals than those who were employed. Marital status was shown to be associated with interaction with family and levels of perceived social support. An interaction between retirement and marital status was also shown to influence levels of perceived social support. The results reveal that retirement and marital status have an individual and interaction effect on various measures of social support and indicate the importance of considering marital status when researching, educating and working with issues regarding retirement and social support.

The presented thesis originated thanks to the support of the project of Grantová agentura Jihočeské univerzity Nr. 130/2010/H (The society of Czech regions in 17th up to 20th century. The area of economical, social, cultural and religious structure of Czech regions and their transformations during the 17th-20th century). The presented thesis is dealing with, on the example of Třeboň domain, the period transformation of the institute of the rent-charge and the position of retired peasants during the 18th century on the Třeboň domain, specifically in years 1725-1735 and 1775-1785. For the research there were used two from four books of rent-charge?s contracts deposited in the Státní oblastní archiv (public regional archive) in Třeboň. There was chosen the micro historical method of the research as the basic methodological starting point for the analysis of particular cases. Also the exercise of certain lifelong strategies in the family environment in the country has become the subject of the explorational interest. The goal of this thesis was to ascertain, which circumstances influenced the origin of the rent-charge and why it was required. The analysis of chosen lifelong advancements of individual groups leaving for the retirement revealed, that in the person?s behavior in the rent-charge were reflected rooted models of behavior and action, but there was also possible to grasp even the individual strategies. It was possible to draw this conclusion even in the case of the investigation of the content aspect of the rent-charge. The research points out the difference of opportunities, which presented themselves to retired peasants and sustains, that the rent-charge did not mean the end of life, but its partial stage.

This study identified the number of learning projects undertaken by thirty-eight retired educators and examined the extent to which these experiences were associated with the body weight and the exercise patterns of the subjects. A list of 1091 names of retired educators was obtained and 400 names were randomly selected to receive a brief survey seeking responses to demographic, personal and miscellaneous questions relating to their efforts to continue to pursue learning. Interviews were arranged with thirty-eight subjects who met established criteria. The 19 8 3 Metropolitan Height and Weight Tables were used to estimate weight characteristics and a probe sheet was designed to identify the number of hours spent exercising in activities vigorous enough to increase heart beat. In-depth interviews were conducted by the investigator using the questions from Tough's Interview Schedule for Studying Some Basic Characteristics of Learning Projects, and the probe sheet designed by the investigator. The interviews focused on the efforts to continue learning during the past twelve months and on the participation in vigorous exercise during the past twelve months. Findings were analyzed by computing t-tests for independent means and the Pearson product moment method of correlation. Comparisons of the results from this study were made with the results from two previous studies, "The Older Adult and Learning," by Roger Hiemstra, ancj "A Comparative Study of Professionally Related Learning Projects of Secondary School Teachers," by N. E. Kelly. The results of this study indicate that much learning is continued past retirement and that all learning is not focused on self; some relate to the needs of the community and of churches. The data supports Hiemstra's premise that health related obstacles diminish learning activity. The Theory that older adults pursue less learning than young adults was not supported by this study.