Occupational therapy has the potential to be involved in improving health and well-being for people in the work-to-retirement transition process. It is suggested that future research explore not only people's experiences but also the approaches of occupational therapy in assisting people through this occupational transition. The use of theory to guide Australian occupational therapy practice on retirement should also be explored. The use of consistent retirement definitions will assist in understanding research.

Background: Occupational therapists have skills to work with people considering or experiencing the transition from paid work to retirement. Aim:The aims were to explore: 1) occupational therapists' experiences and perceptions in working with people transitioning to retirement; 2) current scope of practice of occupational therapy in the work-to-retirement transition; and 3) factors influencing current scope of practice of occupational therapy in the work-to-retirement transition.Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews with Australian occupational therapists were thematically analysed.Results: Fourteen Australian occupational therapists were interviewed. Three overarching themes (12 sub themes) emerged: 1) occupational therapists' application of a contemporary occupational paradigm; 2) current approaches adopted by occupational therapists are add on, stylistic and talk based; and 3) contextual challenges and opportunities encountered by occupational therapists. Conclusion/Significance:Occupational therapists use enablement skills (e.g. coach; collaborate) and consider various professional reasons (e.g. engagement in meaningful occupation; health responsibility) when addressing the transition from work to retirement.Overcoming barriers to service provision (e.g. funding; lack of role clarity) will facilitate a more comprehensive service provision to enable health and well-being of older adults.

Differences in the work-to-retirement transition process, based on pre-retirement job, are evident. Understanding differences by job groupings may assist occupational therapists to understand individualised needs during this occupational transition and subsequent tailoring of interventions (both individual and group based) to enable engagement in meaningful occupation in the work-to-retirement occupational transition to effect active healthy ageing.

Introduction: Retirement from work is a complex process, with work influencing this transition. Occupational therapists can facilitate a meaningful occupational transition to retirement for better health and wellbeing in later life. This article explores (1) how work attributes influence and relate to the work-to-retirement transition stages, (2) the relationship of findings to the Model of Human Occupation volitional processes and (3) the potential occupational therapy role. Method: Semi-structured interviews were completed with retirees. In this qualitative study, themes were identified in relation to the work-to-retirement transition stages using thematic analysis with findings related to the Model of Human Occupation volitional processes. Findings: Eleven Australian participants (five females, six males) were recruited. Themes and sub-themes were identified within each stage of the work-to-retirement transition and collectively encapsulated all volitional processes. Themes were time to move on, taking action, ceasing work, feeling retired, letting go and work-related involvement. Conclusion: Work attributes related to personal factors, social factors, meaningful occupational engagement and the nexus of work and retirement influence all work-to-retirement transition stages. Volition assists in explaining the complexity of this transition. Occupational therapists can assist older workers to continue working or identify and implement meaningful occupations to replace work activities in retirement.