A Qualitative Study on the Adaptation Process of Middle-Aged and Elderly Couples with Retired Husbands

Abstract

This study examined the retirement adaptation process for middle-aged and elderly couples. Twelve couples who had experienced retirement were recruited by theoretical sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed through the grounded theory approach of Strauss and Corbin (1998). This study showed the results of 124 concepts, 41 sub-categories and 17 categories indicated through an open coding process. As a paradigm in axial coding, the causal conditions in the adjustment procedures of elderly couples whose spouses are retired were ``retirement preparation,`` ``retirement acceptance,`` and ``marital satisfaction.`` A central phenomenon was ``crisis and conflicts of twilight couples.`` The contextual conditions that correspond to this phenomenon were ``psychological separation from adult children,`` ``division of household labor,`` and ``economic status.`` The action/interaction strategies to control the phenomenon were ``recognition of marital relationships,`` ``conflicts coping,`` ``resolution methods,`` and ``self-reflection.`` The intervening conditions that facilitate action/interaction strategies were ``attitudes of husbands,`` ``mutual awareness of couple,`` ``health status,`` and ``support systems.`` The consequences were ``readaptation of marital relationships,`` and ``unresolved conflicts,`` and ``trying alone.`` This research classified middle-aged and elderly couples`` adaptation into three types such as mutual effort, separation & resignation, and conflicts vestige. The findings provide basic information to develop a retirement adaptation program for the middle-aged and elderly.