Retirement and Leisure – a Longitudinal Study Using Swedish Data

Linda Kridahl, Stockholm University

Public pension system, labor market structure, occupation, family and individual characteristics are all well-known factors that influence older individual’s timing of retirement. In addition, changing labor market and family structures have increased the access and demand for leisure activities in older ages. One of the factors individuals take into account when approaching retirement is the prospects of being active in retirement. The leisure activities engaged in prior retirement may be an indicator of activities engaged in when retired. The aim of this study is to use longitudinal data to examine the extent that leisure activities before retirement change after retirement. The data used for this analysis is the Swedish Level of Living Study from 1981, 1991 and 2000. The study’s focus contributes to a deeper understanding of retirement behaviors. From a policy-making perspective, deeper understanding of retirement behaviors helps policy-makers to find suitable implements to influence individuals’ retirement.