Die afgetredene en alkoholmisbruik : 'n maatskaplikewerk-ondersoek

Abstract

The research was undertaken in order to determine whether a relationship exists between alcoholism and retirement. The first objective was to study the existing literature on retirement and to evaluate its influence on a person. The second objective was to study the literature on alcoholism amongst the elderly. The third objective was to determine empirically whether there is a relationship between alcoholism and retirement, while the last objective was to propose an assistance programme for elderly alcoholics. The survey method, secondary analysis and case study, were combined in the research. During the survey procedure questionnaires were completed by retired alcoholics in different alcohol and drug treatment centres. For the secondary analysis files of alcoholics who have been admitted to an alcohol or drug treatment clinic, which had already been closed, were studied. Two couples who had done timeous planning an preparation for retirement, were involved in the case study. Information regarding their pre-planning and preparation for retirement was obtained as well as information regarding their present perceptions and experiences of their life after retirement. The case study was used to do a comparative study with regard to the other two procedures in order to evaluate whether preparation and planning for retirement could decrease or eliminate the trauma of retirement. With the research it was found that retirement could be a very traumatic experience for some people and that the physical, psychological, social and religious sides of a retired person's functioning, could be influenced negatively by retirement. Many retired persons have not done proper preparations and planning for retirement and therefore do not have the necessary life skills to handle and master the problems and crises of retirement. When retired a person's problems become too overpowering, he or she could find escape in alcohol, and this could later develop into alcohol dependence. It was also found that present treatment programmes in such centres, do not fully accommodate the retired alcoholic and do not always recognise their ability to be rehabilitated.