DefinePK

Abstract

Background: The transition into retirement represents a critical period in the lives of older adults, involving major shifts in social roles, routines, and identity. Successful retirement adjustment is influenced by multiple psychological and social factors. Resilience, defined as the capacity to adapt positively to adversity, may act as a protective factor in this transition. Understanding how resilience interacts with various retirement transition patterns can inform strategies to promote mental well-being and life satisfaction in older populations.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between retirement transition and retirement adjustment in older adults, and to examine the moderating role of resilience. It also assessed the impact of demographic variables on the study constructs.
Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational study design was used, involving 200 retired older adults (both men and women) from Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Transition to Retirement Questionnaire (TRQ), Retirement Adjustment Scale for Elderly, and Nicholson McBride Resilience Questionnaire. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, linear regression, moderation analysis via Hayes’ PROCESS macro, t-tests, and ANOVA to examine demographic effects.
Results: Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between the Easy Glider typology and retirement adjustment (r = 0.26, p < 0.01), and negative relationships for both Searchers (r = -0.06, p < 0.05) and Retreaters (r = -0.08, p < 0.05). Resilience significantly moderated the relationship between Easy Gliders and retirement adjustment (β = 0.01, p < 0.05), enhancing their adjustment outcomes. No significant moderation was found for other typologies.
Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of resilience in supporting adaptive retirement transitions, particularly for those already inclined toward positive adjustment patterns. These findings highlight the need for targeted support programs to foster resilience among retirees.