Dissertation Abstract

Effects of Preretirement Planning on Life Satisfaction During Retirement

Scope and method of study. The purpose of this study is to determine whether significant differences exist between the perceived life satisfaction of retirees who participated in preretirement programs as compared to those who did not. The study also investigates the extent to which perceived life satisfaction during retirement varies based on demographic variables, such as race, gender, income, occupation and family responsibility. To evaluate the perceived life satisfaction of retirees, a three-part instrument, the Retirement Satisfaction Survey, was used to collect relevant data. Part I of the instrument was designed to gather demographic information from the participants, while Parts II and III were designed to collect participants' responses concerning their perceived life satisfaction in a number of areas such as health, financial independence, leisure, and self-worth.

Findings and conclusions. The findings from this study support the issue and need for preretirement planning and retirement preparatory programs. It appears that retirement programs are helpful if provided well in advance of retirement and if they effectively address issues relating to health, financial planning, and some means of maintaining a positive feeling of self-worth and usefulness. The participants identified these areas, along with having a supportive significant other, as being the factors most important to achieving satisfaction during retirement.

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