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Like a High Wave: Adjustment to Retirement

Correspondence: Address correspondence to Orit Nuttman-Shwartz, PhD, Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel. E-mail: shwartz{at}post.tau.ac.il

Purpose: The purposes of the study are to provide a phenomenological description of the pre- and post-retirement experience and to examine adjustment during the two periods. Design and Methods: This is a longitudinal study of 56 Israeli men that employs both personal interviews and standard measures of physical and mental health. Results: The pre-retirement interviews show four main perceptions. The dominant perception was as a period of uncertainty and crisis. The others were as providing hope for change, as a continuation of their lives until then, and as a developmental transition. Interviews 1 year post-retirement show that most of the men were happily occupied. Comparison of pre- and post-retirement scores on standardized tests shows reduced distress. Implications: The findings point to the desirability of supportive pre-retirement interventions that would emphasize working out emotional difficulties posed the anticipation of ending work.

Key Words: Retirement • Adjustment • Transition • Quality of life • Life scenario • Narrative

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