Retirement of anaesthetists: Attitudes in Yorkshire
The tenure of posts by consultant anaesthetists is compared with that by consultants in other specialties. Populations studied were not strictly comparable: however, due mainly to early retirement for reasons unknown, only 70–80% of anaesthetists who might have been expected to retire at 65 years of age actually did so. Provisional plans for a study of Occupational health are described. Results of a questionnaire on attitudes to retirement are reported. Comments elicited refer to: financial and family considerations: a belief in longevity associated with early retirement: effects of ageing upon health, ability and response to ‘stress’: lack of self‐pacing and of job adjustment for age and health: professional and administrative ‘stresses’: recruitment, manpower and workload: health hazards: and a wish to pursue other interests. Forty per cent of responders anticipated retiring before the age of 61 years. Possible relevance of early appointment as consultant is mentioned. Copyright © 1980, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved