Stuart-Hamilton, (2006), in the Psychology of Ageing: an Introduction states that "... If an older person has a strong sense of social identity, this may cushion (but not remove) the negative effects of a decline in physical health" (Stuart-Hamilton, 2006, p. 183). However, retirees like Albert who do not have a sense of identity or of social 'belonging' can be subject to a wide range of negative effects. This is also supported by studies which suggest that "...psychosocial factors mediated the impact of illness on the ability of old people's daily living activities" (Stuart-Hamilton, 2006, p. 183). 3. Conclusion

In conclusion, there is a growing awareness of the psychological and sociological problems that the retired and elderly person faces when he or she retires from the active workforce. As one article on the subject states, "...retirement is not always the joyfilled time typical of American dreams. For some, it precipitates a life crisis that requires major readjustments in thinking, living patterns and relationships" (Brody, 1981). However, retirement need not necessarily be seen as the inevitable precursor to psychosocial problems: "Recent studies belie the widespread belief that the stress of retirement often precipitates serious illness and death" (Brody, 1981).

The growing number of retirees and elderly in our modern societies has tended to motivate a focus on this problem from many perspectives. This is noted by many researchers as a growing problem that will become worse in future without the necessary in-depth research and the implementation of specific psychological as well as sociological strategies to deal adequately with this problem.

References

Blazer D. 2002, Self-efficacy and depression in late life: a primary prevention proposal, Aging Mental Health, vol. 6, no.4, pp.315-324.

Brody, J. (1981) PERSONAL HEALTH. [Online] Available at http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE6DD1238F934A15756C0A967948260&sec=health&spon=&pagewanted=all[1Jan 2009].

CHAPTER 3 -- PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES, [Online], Available at http://www.geriatricsreviewsyllabus.org/content/agscontent/social6.htm[1 Jan 2009].

Fry P, and Debats D. 2002, Self-efficacy beliefs as predictors of loneliness and psychological distress in older adults, International Journal Aging Human Development,...

55, no. 3, pp. 233-269.
Guillemard, a., & Rein, M. 1993, Comparative Patterns of Retirement: Recent Trends in Developed Societies, [Online], Available at http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001673185[1 Jan 2009].

Hochschild a. The Fractured Family. 1991. [Online], Available from: http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&name=ViewPrint&articleId=5277[1Jan 2009].

Liat, K. 1999, Marital Power Relations, Resources and Gender Role Ideology: A Multivariate Model for Assessing Effects, Journal of Comparative Family Studies, vol. 30, no. 2.

Minichiello, V. & Coulson, I. (Eds.), 2005, Contemporary Issues in Gerontology: Promoting Positive Ageing, Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest, N.S.W.

Polivka, L. 2004, Postmodern Aging and the Loss of Meaning, Journal of Aging and Identity, vol. 5, no. 4.

Popenoe, D. 1988, Disturbing the Nest: Family Change and Decline in Modern Societies, Aldine de Gruyter, New York.

Rosow, I. 1967, Social Integration of the Aged, Free Press, New York.

Sorkin D. et al. 2002, Loneliness, lack of emotional support, lack of companionship, and the likelihood of having a heart condition in an elderly sample, Annals of Behavioral Medicine, vol. 24, no 4. pp. 290-298.

Stuart-Hamilton, I., 2006, the Psychology of Ageing: An Introduction (4th ed.). Jessica Kingsley, London.

The Future Supply of Long-Term Care Workers in relation to the Aging Baby BoomGeneration: REPORT to CONGRESS, 2003, [Online] Available at http://aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/reports/ltcwork.htm[Jan. 1, 2009]

Tobin, S., & Lieberman, M.A. 1976, Last Home for the Aged (1st ed.), Jossey-Bass, San Francisco.

Vincent, J. 2003, Old Age, Routledge, New York.

Verbrugge, L.M., & Yang, L. 2002, Aging with Disability and Disability with Aging. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, vol. 12, no. 4.

Waite, L.J. 1999, the Importance of MARRIAGE Is Being

Overlooked. USA Today, Society for the Advancement of Education, vol. 127, no. 46.

Ware K. Seeger K. And Coble S. 2006, ElderFriends: Relieving

Loneliness Among Elders, Age in Action, Vol. 21 No. 3, [Online], Available at http://www.vcu.edu/vcoa/ageaction/agesummer06.pdf,[1 Jan 2009].

Psychosocial issues