Exploring Human/Animal Intersections: Converging Lines of Evidence in Comparative Models of Aging

At a symposium convened on March 8, 2007 by the Institute on Aging at the University of Pennsylvania, researchers from the University’s Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine explored the convergence of aging research emerging from the two schools. Studies in human patients, animal models, and companion animals have revealed different but complementary aspects of the aging process, ranging from fundamental biologic aspects of aging to the treatment of age-related diseases, both experimentally and in clinical practice. Participants concluded that neither animal nor human research alone will provide answers to most questions about the aging process. Instead, an optimal translational research model supports a bidirectional flow of information from animal models to clinical research

A multimethod approach to studying retirement time-use planning

Postretirement time-use planning, especially as it impacts on retirement satisfaction, was examined. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) Formal postretirement time-utilization planning is usually not undertaken in anticipation of retirement. (2) Individuals who participate in formal postretirement time-utilization planning processes will be more satisfied with retirement than individuals who did not use formal planning processes. (3) The greater the congruence between the plan and the actual activities, the greater the satisfaction with retirement. Four methodologies were used to examine the hypotheses. They were: (1) Meta-analysis of the literature. (2) Evaluation of a formal retirement time-use planning process, completed by a sample of preretirees. (3) Laboratory experiment using a one-group pretest-posttest research design. (4) Qualitative analysis of interview data collected from a sample of retirees. Data from the evaluation of the formal planning process and interview data support the first hypothesis. Regarding the second hypothesis, the data suggest that formal time-use planning processes will increase retirement satisfaction for some retirees. Many retirees may not need to undertake formal time-use planning. Results from the laboratory experiment did indicate that better time-use plans are produced if formal planning processes are used rather than informal planning processes. However, whether or not better plans produce greater satisfaction is not known. Using interview data, the third hypothesis is supported. The data suggest that there is a relationship between retirement satisfaction and having things turn out pretty much as expected. In summary, formal time-use planning is usually not undertaken in anticipation of retirement. Such planning can increase retirement satisfaction but may not be necessary for everyone. For those who plan, the greater the congruence between plans and outcomes, the greater the satisfaction with retirement