The Lived Experience of Australian Retirees: ‘I'm Retired, What Do I Do Now?’

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experience of retirement in a context where it is not compulsory, and to understand consequent changes in roles, identity and occupational adaptation from the perspective of Australian retirees. Method: Five people aged between 61 and 68 years, who had retired during the previous 18 months, were interviewed. Data analysis included transcription and coding of data, data aggregation and identification of themes. Findings: The themes that emerged from the data analysis were related to time structure and meaningful occupations, ageing and performance capacity, role changes, emotional adjustment to retirement and preparation for retirement. Conclusion: The findings suggest that engagement in meaningful occupations and valued roles, along with the emergence of grandparenting as a significant role, the development of new interests and engagement in retirement planning activities, and support in restructuring the use of time are essential to maintain a positive identity and to adapt successfully to retirement.

Retirement as Meaningful: Positive Retirement Stereotypes Associated with Longevity

“…This dual theme also emerged in Finnish magazines targeted at readers above 50 years (Lumme‐Sandt, ), and prime time TV in Germany (Kessler, Schwender, & Bowen, ). Similar themes have been found in both qualitative studies that interviewed retirees (Pepin & Deutscher, ), and quantitative ones, such as the Hartford Retirement Survey ().…”

A review of occupational therapy's contribution to and involvement in the work‐to‐retirement transition process: An Australian perspective

“…Use of a process to gradually transition from a work-toretirement lifestyle to assist in adapting to retirement Includes: gradually reducing work hours and responsibilities (Pepin & Deutscher, 2011;Wiseman & Whiteford, 2007Wythes & Lyons, 2006); maintaining established connections (people and places) while establishing new connections (Wiseman & Whiteford, 2007 Financial Financial planning for retirement…”

“…Includes: understanding what to do and who to consult (Pepin & Deutscher, 2011) Interests and activities Includes: continuing to attend events where work-related activities previously occurred (Wiseman & Whiteford, 2009); continuing to engage in activities related to past paid work roles and skills (Hillman & Chapparo, 2002). May be a positive (e.g.…”

Being Well, Being Musical: Music Composition as a Resource and Occupation for Older People

“…Peppin and Deutscher (2011) identified that older adults want to make choices about occupations, and for them to match their interests. Engagement in occupation, as in this project, may provide individuals with occupational roles and help to construct and maintain identity.…”

“…Many theorists present concepts of occupation and activity to help understand health in older adulthood (Cohen 2009, Law and McColl 2010, Peppin and Deutscher 2011. Although there has been discussion within the occupational therapy literature concerning terminology (Golledge 1998a, 1998b, Pierce 2001, the term 'occupation' as used in this paper refers specifically to the occupation of 'musicking', defined as: 'to take part, in any capacity, in a musical performance, whether by performing, by listening, by rehearsing or practising, by providing material for performance' (Small 1998, p9).…”