Retirement Preparation and Retirement Satisfaction in the Rural Elderly

This study investigated preparation for retirement in the rural elderly and the relationship between that preparation and retirement satisfaction. A number of anticipatory socialization for retirement mechanisms were investigated including planning for retirement, preretirement education, gradual versus immediate retirement, discussion of retirement with others, and exposure to written information and mass media programs about retirement. Respondents were 252 men and 199 women who participated in the retirement substudy of an 8-year epidemiological investigation of persons aged 65 and over in two rural Iowa counties. Planning for retirement, reading about retirement, and exposure to radio or television programs about retirement were significant correlates of retirement satisfaction for both sexes. Gradual retirement was a significant correlate of retirement satisfaction for males only. After health, planning for retirement was the second strongest predictor of retirement satisfaction for males.

Socioeconomic Determinants of Early Retirement in Canada

In view of the trend toward increasing early retirement observed in Canada since the 1960's, this study attempts to determine the main socioeconomic factors influencing the decision to retire before age 65 among Canadian men and women. Using data from the 1973 Canadian Mobility Study, we estimate a series of models in which retirement is measured as both the degree of involvement in the labour force and a subjective declaration of retirement status. We conclude that those Canadians who retire early tend to be single men and married women employed by others who are better educated and whose nonearned income is higher than those who retire at a later age. As anticipated, early retirement experiences are different for men and women, reflecting the more precarious position of women in the labour market.

Retirement as a life crisis: myth or reality?

Summary

The literature on retirement has herein been examined with particular emphasis on whether the negative retirement stereotype is myth or reality. There appears to be very little hard data to support the stereotype. On the whole recent studies seem to indicate that people do quite well physically, mentally and socially after retirement and that the negative stereotype is indeed a myth. However, there is a definite need for much closer attention to experimental detail in future studies if the stereotype is to be unequivocally refuted. Moreover, there appear to be factors such as health, income, socioeconomic status, and personality structure which can predispose individuals to less fortunate retirement outcomes. Further research delineating these higher risk groups is needed before relevant intervention programs can be developed.