A Quantitative Analysis of Self-Rated Health and Occupational Aspects of Community-Dwelling Older Adults

This study investigated relationships between self-rated health and variables concerning pre-retirement occupation, type of dwelling, and religious involvement in community-domiciled older adults. Data were collected from 230 men and women, aged 60 and over, using a modified version of the Occupational Performance History Interview. Significant outcomes included an inverse relationship between self-rated health and age, a higher health rating for house (i.e. multi storey) compared with bungalow dwellers, and a positive relationship between health and approximate seniority of pre-retirement occupation. Additionally, the analyses revealed that significantly more women than men reported involvement with religion. These findings add to the data previously obtained on productivity and leisure occupations. As the population of retirees increases, it is important that those involved in the care of older adults, as well as older people themselves, have as much information as possible to ensure that life in senescence is rewarding, productive, and satisfying.