Retirement Experience Research Articles

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE ON ACADEMIC RETIREMENT

Abstract Objectives The number of academics reaching traditional retirement age has been increasing thus motivating the need to better understand retirement experiences among higher education faculty. This review paper aims to: (i) identify the types of studies and traits being measured in studies of academic retirement, (ii) understand the determinants of retirement, including pathways and obstacles, among academics being measured in the literature, (iii) map the most prevalent types of studies and findings regarding academic retirement, and (iv) appraise the current state of the literature. Methods We conducted a systematic review of the literature to address our research objectives. Studies were identified from multiple database using search terms regarding retirement among academic faculty. Included studies examined determinants of academic retirement, perspectives, and/or retirement experiences among academics. Four reviewers screened the studies for inclusion and completed the data extraction. Results A total of 102 papers met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were based on cross-sectional survey data, followed by qualitative interviews; quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research were included. Commonly measured determinants included age and spousal retirement timing. A mapping of the literature indicates a focus on geographical and/or subfield areas. Conclusions: Insights regarding academic’s retirement experiences provide insights about varying retirement pathways and can help elucidate retirement pathways that enhance transitions particularly for those in professions with generally high autonomy. Future research ought to focus on supports to help retain mature workers within academia and overall determinants of satisfaction with retirement among academics.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO POST-RETIREMENT EMPLOYMENT AND LIFE SATISFACTION

Abstract This study explores the factors influencing post-retirement employment and its impact on retirement satisfaction, aiming to provide insights to improve older adults’ productivity and well-being, thereby enhancing their life satisfaction and contributing to the cohesion of families, communities, and society at large. Utilizing secondary data from the RAND HRS Longitudinal File 2020, this quantitative research examines a sample of 1,561 individuals born in 1948 and 1949. The longitudinal data tracks changes in retirement trajectories and self-reported well-being over time. Logistic regression analysis revealed several key findings: African American and Hispanic individuals were less likely to intend to work beyond age 65 but more likely to engage in post-retirement employment. Higher household wealth correlated with a decreased intention to work past 65 but an increased likelihood of continued labor market participation. The health and employment status of a spouse significantly impacted older adults’ work intentions, retirement decisions, and satisfaction. Additionally, there were significant reciprocal relationships between respondents’ work plans and their retirement decisions. The findings highlight the need to address the diverse job-related needs of older adults in gerontological social work practice. Advocating for employment as a human right, the study highlights the importance of age-friendly policies, such as flexible work arrangements and phased retirement options. Social work practice can enhance opportunities for older adults through financial literacy programs, job training, and career counseling, particularly in underserved communities. Additionally, acknowledging the correlation between family dynamics and retirement experiences, gerontological social work can better support older adults in navigating their retirement transitions.

SUPPORTING LATE AND POST–CAREER STAGE FACULTY: AGE-INCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract Our populations are aging nationally and locally at dramatic rates as we experience extended longevity, with significant implications on many fronts. With higher education employing a greater proportion of individuals over the age of 65 relative to the general labor force, more faculty will be moving into their late and post career stages at their institutions in the coming years. Thus, campuses are natural environments where long-time faculty members are “aging in the workplace.” For organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) and GSA, many of its members are affiliated with higher education and are part of this demographic trend. Aiming to inform our professional organizations about how they can better support these (and other) members, this presentation will describe the results of a survey of 391 APA members (age 52+) who responded to questions about how the association could support members’ professional development, retirement experiences, and opportunities for further engagement and support. A variety of recommendations emerged that can be translated easily to opportunities for GSA (e.g., develop dialogue and related programming around members’ career transitions and retirement planning that speak to financial challenges and physical or medical concerns, as well as sustaining professional contributions and maintaining social and emotional connections with colleagues at similar career stages). We as scholars in the aging field know well the value of a lifespan development lens, which we now need to use in a more self-reflective way in connection with our professional organizations.

The Future of Digital Retirement Solutions: A Study of Sustainability and Scalability in Financial Planning Tools

The evolution of digital financial planning tools is shaping the future of retirement solutions. This paper explores the sustainability and scalability of digital retirement solutions, examining the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and big data analytics. The study analyzes the challenges and opportunities associated with these technologies in ensuring secure, efficient, and adaptable financial planning for retirees. Furthermore, we examine the role of regulatory frameworks and emerging financial trends that influence the adoption of digital retirement solutions. The paper also addresses how financial institutions are adapting to the new landscape and integrating innovative tools to improve the retirement experience for users. Additionally, few case studies on a leading digital retirement platform is included to illustrate real-world applications of these technologies. Digital retirement tools must be designed to scale seamlessly across different regions, demographic groups, and financial markets, while ensuring that the user experience remains personalized and effective. This challenge involves integrating large volumes of data from diverse sources, maintaining system performance under heavy usage, and developing algorithms capable of handling increasingly complex retirement scenarios for a broad range of users. Moreover, digital platforms need to incorporate adaptive features that allow them to evolve with changes in financial markets, economic conditions, and regulatory environments.

Exploring variations in subjective well-being among Norwegian retirees: A growth mixture modelling approach.

This study aimed to identify subgroups of Norwegian retirees with similar trajectories of subjective well-being (SWB) across the retirement transition and to explore how various factors influence these SWB trajectories. The study employed growth mixture modelling to analyze longitudinal data, exploring the trajectories of life satisfaction, positive affect and negative affect in retirement transition. It also examined the influence of factors such as demographic, living arrangement, pre-retirement work conditions, individual characteristics and available resources on these SWB trajectories. Contrary to the hypothesised three distinct SWB trajectories in retirement, the results more strongly support a single group solution for life satisfaction and positive affect. For negative affect, a two-group solution, consisting of one group with stable low and another with stable high negative affect, was preferred. The study identified several predictors of SWB trajectories. The findings suggest that retirement is a neutral life event with stable SWB trajectories. However, several factors significantly influence whether retirees experience higher or lower SWB in retirement. The findings of this study provide updated insights into the heterogeneity of the retirement experience, as well as highlight important factors for retirement SWB.

Retirement and life satisfaction among middle-aged and older adults: A piecewise growth mixture analysis.

Retirement represents a significant life transition typically occurring in later adulthood, often accompanied by substantial lifestyle changes. Several theoretical frameworks suggest that these changes present both opportunities and challenges for well-being, and the extent to which individuals experience positive versus negative well-being outcomes may be influenced by various factors. To study such heterogeneity in retirement experiences, researchers have embraced person-centered methodologies. Yet, some previous studies have not robustly delineated retirement- from age-related changes in well-being, accounted for statistical uncertainties, or examined these diverse experiences outside of a Western context. These limitations preclude conclusions about the diverse experience of retirement. Using both person- and variable-centered approaches, this study examined life satisfaction trajectories before and after retirement among 532 retired middle-aged and older adults from the Singapore Life Panel. Controlling for age-related changes, latent growth mixture analysis was employed to identify retirement subgroups with varying life satisfaction trajectories. Three distinct trajectories were revealed-decreasingly satisfied, stable postretirement, and increasingly satisfied. As compared to those increasingly satisfied, decreasingly satisfied individuals tended to have lower social support, were higher on neuroticism, and had higher income. While expressed to a similar magnitude across profiles, education and religious activity also emerged as important predictors of well-being in retirement transition. Findings from the present study highlight the importance of recognizing heterogeneity in retirement experiences and opportunities for targeted interventions to support retirees' well-being. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Antecedents and Consequences of Grief in the Elderly: A Qualitative Study

Objectives: Old age is considered a period of facing great losses, and as a result, the experience of bereavement is more common than in the previous stages of people's lives. Understanding and recognizing the experiences of the elderly from its antecedents and consequences in old age is one of the requirements for the development of well-being these days. This research was done with the aim of understanding the experience of the elderly about the antecedents and consequences of grief. Method: A qualitative study with the content analysis method with the participation of 16 elderly people aged 60 to 85 referring to day care centers and parks in Tehran, which continued with the purposeful sampling method until the condition of maximum diversity was met, were selected and participated in interviews with a semi-structured method. The data of this research was collected between March 1401 and September 1402 and Goba and Lincoln criteria were used to achieve the accuracy and reliability of the data. Findings: Based on the experiences expressed by the participants, four categories of antecedents of bereavement include: the experience of losing loved ones, the experience of losing health, the experience of retirement, the regret of the unlived life; And the three consequences of bereavement, including reparability, health, and socio-economic consequences, were obtained. Results: grief in the elderly is a multi-dimensional phenomenon with a unique experience and understanding. The results of this study can help the health team to better understand this concept, to better understand the experience of bereavement in the elderly, and to carry out investigations, interventions and evaluation of auxiliary measures. They help to improve the health of the elderly.

Financial Literacy and Retirement Readiness:A Case Study of the Namibian Police Services

Retirement preparedness is a priceless process during one’s tenure of employment because no individual can continue working during his or her lifetime. However, the low levels of financial literacy among retired Namibian police officers compromises sound retirement planning. Financial stress upon retirement is particularly problematic for police officers in Namibia, and this study examined the nexus between financial literacy and retirement planning. The research was qualitative, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the personal experiences and challenges faced by retirees. There were interviews with 26 participants, purposively selected from retired Namibian police officers. In addition, five key informants in the human resources department of the Namibian Police services then corroborated information collected. Purposive-sampling enabled the research to target individuals with direct experience of retirement from the Namibian Police Service. Thematic analysis indicated that upon retirement, police officers found themselves in dire poverty, with no sustainable income sources. The process of determining pension amounts was opaque resulting in the police officers failing to determine the income gap they would face after retirement. There were no financial literacy training programmes for the police officers resulting in their failure to make sound investments during employment period. Therefore, the study recommended that the Namibian Police Services should implement financial literacy programmes, encourage officers to make sound investment decisions, and ensure that retirement becomes an attractive part of one’s lifetime

A Bibliometric Review of the Utilization of TILDA Data in the Literature

Abstract Background The TILDA dataset refers to the data collected as part of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. It is a nationally representative longitudinal study of aging in Ireland, focusing on people aged 50 and older and it includes information on demographics, health status, cognitive function, psychological well-being, social support, lifestyle factors, and use of health services. Methods Bibliometric methods are used in several research domains to assess the impact of the field, specific researchers, papers, journals, and to identify knowledge inputs, research gaps and future opportunities. The study examines 609 scientific documents from 2011 to 2023 published on Web of Science (WoS) utilizing “TILDA” as keywords, aiming to identify prevalent themes and their evolution over time. Through thematic maps, clusters were generated to visualize thematic shifts. The Sankey plot illustrates temporal trends, revealing significant themes and their development. Results We defined three different time slices to clearly distinguish the themes present in scientific production. Initially (2011-2015), there's a focus on treating frailty, orthostatic hypotension, and physical interventions. Emerging themes include the analysis of cognitive functions and return migrants. In the second time slice (2016-2019), mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, and loneliness gain prominence. Essential aspects of aging such as mobility, self-care, and cognitive decline are also explored. Alcohol consumption and retirement experiences become significant topics. In the latest time slice (2020-2023), quality of life and biomarker studies emerge as prominent themes, along with continued exploration of frailty and fundamental health aspects like cancer and diabetes epidemiology. Conclusion The analysis shows the shifting research priorities evident in scientific output utilizing the TILDA dataset. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the dataset's implications and inform future research directions, emphasizing its significance in advancing scientific knowledge.

Подготовка к выходу на пенсию как процесс: этапы и факторы

The study is relevant due to the complex nature of the retirement experience, which requires mental recovery and future planning. The aim of the study is to explore characteristics of pre-retirement individuals based on their stage in the retirement planning process. Hypothesis: Proactive coping strategies and long-term personality orientation are linked to the retirement planning process. Social and demographic factors (level of education, presence of dependents in the family) are significant in planning the retirement transition. Participants: 202 respondents aged 43-63 years (male = 49%; female = 51%), working and living in different regions of the Russian Federation. Methods (tools): an abridged version of the Stanford “Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory” (F. Zimbardo adapted by T. A. Nestik) was used to study individual differences in time perspective; the Proactive Copying Inventory (E. Greenglass adapted by E. P. Belinskaya, A. V. Vecherin, E. R. Agadullina) was used to study proactive coping strategies; The Process of Retirement Planning Scale (Jack H. Noone, Christine Stephens, Fiona M. Alpass) was used to assess the retirement planning process. Findings. The research demonstrated significant differences in the manifestation of proactive coping strategies at the stages “Ideas about Retirement” and “Preparation for Retirement”. Future orientation was markedly lower at the stages of “Ideas about Retirement” and “Decision to Start the Preparation”. The time perspective of the respondents who were at the stage of “Decision to Start the Preparation” differed significantly from other groups in their fatalism in the perception of the present. The desired age of retirement significantly exceeded the age of the planned retirement. The research revealed the significance of social and demographic characteristics for retirement planning. The main conclusions. The stage “Decision to Start the Preparation” is characterized by the fatalism of the respondents in the perception of the present. Proactive coping strategies manifest themselves at the stages of “Ideas about Retirement” and “Preparing for Retirement”. Such social and demographic factors as presence of dependents in the family and the education level of a pre-pensioner are crucial for retirement planning. Practical application. The results of the study can be utilized in counseling pre-pensioners.

Poverty and alienation in the teaching retirement experience

Poverty and alienation in the teaching retirement experience

Factors that influence mental health and well-being of high-performance athletes from Olympic or Paralympic sport who have transitioned out of national-level or international-level sport: a mixed methods approach

Transitioning out of elite sports can be a challenging time for athletes. To illuminate the gaps and opportunities in existing support systems and better understand which initiatives may have the...

Influence of Retirement Experiences on Psychological Well-Being of Retired Teachers in East Gonja Municipality, Ghana

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of retirement experiences on psychological well-being of retired teachers in the East Gonja Municipality. The study employed a quantitative approach underpinned by analytical cross-sectional design. The target population of the study comprised of retired teachers in the East Gonja Municipality. A total of 320 retired teachers from East Gonja Municipality were purposively selected to constitute the sample for the study. Methodology: Scale of Positive and Negative Experience (SPANE) and Psychological Well-Being Scale were adopted for data collection. Data was analysed using means and standard deviation and linear regression. Findings: The study found that most of the retired teachers in the East Gonja Municipality in the Savannah Region of Ghana experience positive emotions, express optimism, and are satisfied with their lives in their retirement phase of life. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study concludes that retirement experiences are unique and can be a liberating experience for retired teachers, where they can pursue their interests and hobbies without any restrictions. It is recommended that retirement should be a time for retired teachers to focus on their health and well-being, a time they can pursue activities that promote physical and mental health. This study recommends to education system to provide pre-retirement counselling and post-retirement support programmes, focusing on mental health and well-being. Also, the study recommends to pension and retirement agencies to develop and implement workshops and peer support programmes to promote retired teachers’ psychological well-being, addressing issues of social isolation and identity loss.

Towards a critical consideration of the effects of coaching practice on athletic retirement: a poststructuralist perspective

ABSTRACT Dominant understandings of sports retirement have tied problematic outcomes to individual characteristics and the circumstances of an athlete’s exit from sport. In recent years, sociologists have problematised these readings, providing new ways of thinking about retirement transitions, experiences, and relationships. This area of research considers how an exposure to normalising arrangements of power might produce challenging responses to athletic retirement. Accordingly, scholars have drawn upon Foucauldian theory to reveal how the disciplinary logic of modern coaching can impact upon retirement experiences. However, there remains limited empirical research exploring the effects that the approaches, attitudes, and practices of coaching practitioners may have upon retirees’ post-athletic lives. Developing poststructuralist analyses of athletic retirement, this paper seeks to stimulate a further consideration of the retirement process within coaching research. Specifically, this ‘new horizons’ paper does so by advocating for a broader empirical exploration into the connection between sports coaching and sports retirement.

Pension Management Challenges and Retirement Life Experiences: A Policy Implication

Remarking on the discourse of pension management in Nigeria, scarce research attention can be traced to the understanding of pension management challenges and life after retirement experience through the prism of policy implication. To address this gap, the study assesses the pattern of pensioners’ life after retirement, the arrays of pension management challenges, and appropriate policy implications for effective pension management. A mixed-method research approach was employed. 345 retirees were randomly recruited and administered a questionnaire, and 18 purposively semi-structured interviews were conducted with the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria. Quantitative data were analyzed with the frequency distribution and the Q-Q plot to determine the normal probability plot, while the NVivo (12) qualitative software was used for the identification of themes and sub-themes from the transcribed data. Findings revealed prolonged health challenges, poverty, and abrupt pension payment as life after retirement experiences. Verification bottleneck, poor monitoring and evaluation efforts, and administrative incompetency were issues around pension management challenges. The implication includes addressing political interference in pension management and administration, safeguarding retirees’ savings through legal commitment, and a call for employers’ contributions. The study recommends that the National Pension Commission become more responsive in its role of providing quality pension service, especially in terms of quality leadership, monitoring, and evaluation of Pension Fund Administrators.

Public Sector Employees’ Arrangement and Plans Towards Retirement in Ghana

As a saying goes, if one fails to plan, that individual plans to fail. This well-known saying holds true relative to retirement that formal sector employees experience at a point in their life time. It is also a truism that effective and efficient retirement planning by employees is contingent on the information about retirement they receive. Although myriad of studies have been conducted on retirement experiences of formal sector employees, the specific activities that employees do for their retirement had attracted less research attention. The study aimed to close the gap identified, which is quintessential for the information, education and action of employees, employers, psychologists and counsellors. The study focused on employees of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and Ghana Education Service (GES) in two municipalities. Stratified and simple random sampling procedures were adopted to select the employees to participate in the study. To garner the requisite data to achieve the study objectives, a questionnaire was designed, pre-tested and used. The data gathered were analysed using descriptive statistical tools. It emerged from the study that the employees’ principal sources of information on retirement are the media, private insurance companies, Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), friends and relatives. It also emanated from the study that most of the employees were doing the following for their retirement: investment in shares, bonds, treasury bills and insurance policies; savings and standing orders. Stakeholders of the two services need to do more to help their employees to prepare well for an enhanced livelihood during retirement.

Not Just One Long Vacation: Revisiting the Importance of Lifestyle Planning in the Transition to Retirement.

There is a need to further understand the nature and role of planning for one's lifestyle in retirement. The purpose of this study was to examine retirement planning and how it impacts perceived preparedness and satisfaction with the retirement transition, as well as to explore personal experiences of retirement. Canadians (n=748) fully or partly retired participated in an online survey that included quantitative questions about perceived retirement preparedness and satisfaction and open-ended questions about retirement goals, fears, challenges, and advice. Results determined that while both financial and lifestyle planning were significant predictors of higher perceived preparedness, only lifestyle planning was a significant predictor for satisfaction. Overall, no gender differences were detected. Open-ended comments highlighted the importance of planning for one's lifestyle in retirement, including meaningful activities and social connections. Individualized career advising as well as group-based educational programs or peer-assisted learning initiatives appear warranted to support people in planning for their lifestyle in retirement.

Relationship between the Type of Retirement Transition and Marital Satisfaction in Kiambu County, Kenya

Retirement experience is unique for each individual and affects family dynamics, including spouses and children. It is critical to consider aspects with negative implications for retirement transition, particularly intimacy and marital conflict resolution. The primary aim of this study was to describe the potential association between different types of retirement transitions and marital satisfaction levels among individuals residing in Kiambu County, Kenya, with a view to provide insights into the impact of retirement on marital relationships within a non-western context. A descriptive-correlational study investigated the relationship between retirement transition types and marital satisfaction among 400 married individuals who had been gainfully employed. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling to ensure gender balance and represent various age groups. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire featuring predetermined questions and Likert scales, assessing retirement transition types and marital satisfaction using the Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 25 to perform cross-tabulation and descriptive statistics. Results showed that gradual transitions, especially full-time employment with a different employer, showed the highest percentage of respondents reporting high marital satisfaction. Conversely, abrupt transitions due to health issues had the lowest proportion of satisfied respondents. However, overall marital satisfaction remained consistently high regardless of post-retirement occupation, with some observable variations, underscoring the diverse pathways through which individuals navigate retirement and its implications for marital relationships. These findings underscore the complexity of retirement transitions and stress the importance of considering individual preferences and circumstances. Policymakers and therapists can utilize this understanding to make informed decisions regarding retirement planning and post-retirement engagements, aiming to enhance marital well-being in later life.Top of Form

Bibliometric analysis of “workers retirement theory” research

This article explores the concept of “workers’ retirement theory” in the context of urban sustainability, social policy, and public health. It uses a systematic literature review on the Scopus database and a conceptual framework to analyze scholarly publications on retirement. The study reveals that factors such as health status, income stability, and job characteristics significantly influence retirement timing. Retirement also impacts cognitive abilities, mental health, well-being, and life satisfaction, emphasizing the need for psychosocial outcomes in urban sustainability and public health strategies. Gender differences in retirement experiences highlight disparities in post- retirement outcomes and societal roles, informing policy on social equity and workforce management. The findings can inform academic research and practical strategies for enhancing retirement readiness in sustainable urban environments. The study concludes that societal attitudes towards retirement and older workers influence individual experiences and opportunities in post-career phases. Qualitative studies offer insights into the lived experiences of retirees from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, while theoretical models and frameworks conceptualize retirement as a process and transition.

Lifestyle Planning in the Transition to Retirement

Lifestyle Planning in the Transition to Retirement