Being and Becoming through Doing: Cultivating Identity in Retirement through Community Gardening

BackgroundAging of America -By 2050, the number of older adults age 65 and up will more than double; projected at 80 millionRetirement: An occupational transition -Changes one’s role and position in society and can impact social relationships, identity, and self-worthMeaningful occupations offer a bridge with which to “narrate and construct identity in retirement”Identity and engagement are adaptive (protective) strategies during the retirement transition Life transitions -retirement as opportunity rather than disruption; a chance to refocus on important social relationships and occupationsCommunity gardening -an optimal context for participation in retirementResearch Aim: To examine the way that identity is expressed in retirement through community gardening practice