Effect of psychological preparedness on the quality of life among retired primary school teachers in Nakuru West Sub-County

Abstract

This study sought to determine the effect of psychological preparedness on the quality of life among retired primary school teachers in Nakuru West Sub-County. Lack of retirement preparedness has been linked to psychological concerns, failure to adjust to the new normal in life, increased dependency, and debilitating life-related health concerns. While scholars emphasise the positive contribution of retirement planning, others contend that what determines the quality of life is psychological retirement preparedness. This study sought to establish how psychological preparedness affects the quality of life among retired primary school teachers in Nakuru West Sub-County. The study used a mixed research design. The target population was 61 retired primary school teachers and 3 local TSC administrators. The study analysed data through descriptive statistics and multiple regressions, while qualitative data was analysed thematically. The study found that some retired primary school teachers knew of retirees who suffered low self-esteem after retirement due to a lack of psychological preparedness. Meanwhile, psychological preparedness has given others the confidence to handle life after retirement and helped others to accept the new normal so as to adjust effectively to life after retirement. The regression results found that psychological preparedness had a positive relationship with quality of life. The study recommends that effective mechanisms be introduced by the employer to create awareness of the importance of psychological preparedness training before retirement. The study will be significant because it will strengthen the existing body of academic literature on the area of quality of life among retired primary teachers.