Life after medical practice. A retirement profile of Minnesota physicians

Minn Med. 1995 Dec;78(12):27-30.

Abstract

This study investigates the current dynamics of physician retirement in Minnesota. A survey of all retired Minnesota physicians (878, with 65.7% response rate) revealed that 73% retired in their 60s, 22% at age 65. Good health was reported by 69% of the respondents, and fair health by 26%. Income was sufficient in most cases; 64% of respondents reported living comfortably, and only 14% said their incomes are barely adequate. The study also showed that retired physicians consider nonmedical activities much more important than medical activities; heading the list were visiting family (86%), reading (79%), and travel (63%). Finally, 35% of respondents found retirement to be better than they had expected, 54% found it about as expected, and only 9% felt retirement was not as good as expected. In retirement, Minnesota physicians are generally healthy, have sufficient funds to live comfortably, and generally spend their time doing nonmedical activities.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Income
  • Leisure Activities
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Minnesota
  • Physicians / statistics & numerical data*
  • Retirement / statistics & numerical data*