Fun in Retirement
A study on the role of leisure in the transition to retirement among baby boomers
Include leisure as part of the discussion in retirement planning workshops and seminars.
About the Study
Canadian baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1965, began reaching 65, or traditional retirement age, in 2011. Baby boomers are contributing to Canada’s aging population, and by 2031, all Canadian baby boomers will have turned 65, and comprise 23% of the population (Statistics Canada, 2012).
Current research suggests that retirement for baby boomers will differ from previous generations (Liechty & Genoe, 2013; Liechty, Yarnal, & Kerstetter, 2011; Nazareth, 2012; Sperazza & Banerjee, 2010a, 2010b). For example, Byles et al. (2013) note that baby boomers are seeking balance between work and leisure rather than the traditional gold watch model of retirement in which work ceases on a particular date. Other studies show that baby boomers intend to stay involved in the work force through full or part time hours (Taylor, Pilkington, Feist, Dal Grande, & Hugo, 2014).
Our Findings
After the study was completed and we organized the results numerous themes emerged from the data, which are listed below.
Ways of Transitioning
Participants identified three ways of transitioning to retirement: ceasing work; part time/casual work; and different employment. Those who ceased work took a more traditional approach in which they did not return to any work environment after their retirement date.
Others transitioned through part time or casual work. This way of transitioning provided some structure, an opportunity to continue to use skills, and a way to maintain some benefits.
Others still took on new types of employment after retirement, seeking new challenges and opportunities.
Phases of Transitioning
Three phases of transitioning to retirement emerged, including preretirement, where participants described feeling both excited and apprehensive, the initial transition, often seen as a staycation, and mid-transition, where participants started to settle into new routines.
Challenges in Retirement
Participants identified several challenges, including intergenerational concerns, planning for and managing changing finances, consideration of living arrangements and downsizing, and reclaiming a sense of meaning previously found in the work environment.
Health, physical activity and quality of life
Participants described fluctuations in their physical activity as they transitioned to retirement. Almost all participants discussed the role of time and scheduling in their physical activity. Participants were often excited to have more time to focus on their health. Those who described increased physical activity often attributed participation to having developed a routine.
Complexity of Time
Participants discussed time, its use, and how it changed through the transition to retirement. Participants discussed having more time, being intentional with time, and savouring time.
Embracing Retirement
Embracing retirement describes how participants looked forward to and enjoyed opportunities that retirement brought. Participants talked about retirement as a time for being and doing; structure and flexibility, connecting and reconnecting, and embracing new and previous leisure interests.