J Phys Act Health. 2026 Sep 23:1-11. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2025-0143. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Major life course transitions such as retirement may substantially affect lifestyles. Despite the well-established benefits of physical activity (PA) in older ages, evidence on its relationship with retirement remains inconsistent. This study examines the impact of retirement on PA frequency and intensity in the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe.

METHODS: Longitudinal data from Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe waves 1 to 8 (2004-2020) were analyzed. The exposure was the time relative to retirement, modeled across preretirement and postretirement periods, with the retirement year as the reference. The outcome was being physically active, defined as engaging in moderate-intensity PA more than once a week or vigorous-intensity PA at least once a week. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using generalized estimating equation models adjusted for sociodemographic and health-related covariates.

RESULTS: The cohort included 8998 individuals aged 50 years or older, who were employed at baseline and retired during a median follow-up of 9 years. Among active participants at baseline, the probability of remaining physically active declined after retirement, from RR 1.08 (95% CI 1.07-1.10) 10 or more years before retirement to RR 0.90 (95% CI 0.88-0.93) 10 or more years after retirement. Among those less active at baseline, PA increased after retirement, peaking 3-4 years after retirement (RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.36-1.63). This increase was temporary and mainly driven by moderate-intensity PA.

CONCLUSIONS: Retirement may offer an opportunity to promote PA particularly among previously less-active individuals, although sustained benefits are likely to require long-term support.

PMID:42785722 | DOI:10.1123/jpah.2025-0143