Facilitators and barriers for successful retirement: a qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction: a retirement is a major event and a life-changing transition in human life. As retirement is accompanied by new needs and roles, there is a need for adaptation. This study intended to identify facilitators and barriers to a successful retirement.

Methods: this qualitative study was conducted on 22 retirees and professionals in the field of retirement. The participants included 13 retirees (9 males and 4 females), 4 about-to-retirement individuals (3 females and 1 male), and 5 experts in the field of gerontology, retirement, and social sciences. The participants were selected using the purposive sampling technique. Data analysis was performed using conventional content analysis and Graneheim and Lundman´s methods.

Results: in this study mean age of participants in the retiree group was 63.15±6.30 years. The mean age for the About-to-retirement group was 53.75*2.63 years, and their mean job experience was 29 years. Also, the expert group had an average of 15 years of experience in their field. Facilitators were classified as benefiting from social support systems, personal characteristics, and social participation. Barriers were categorized into four groups, namely worsened health status, lack of a plan and retirement crisis, socioeconomic problems, and inadequate support systems.

Conclusion: this study considered retirement not only as a phenomenon accompanied by several psychosocial challenges but also as an opportunity for growth that various factors either facilitate or hinder. In order to promote current services, it would be helpful to consider accompanying changes and the facilitating or hindering factors of retirement adaptation. Therefore, future retirement preparation programs should consider these factors.