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Moving to a retirement community involves a major life transition that requires adjustment to a new way of life. The purpose of this study was to develop a tool to assess the psychosocial adjustment of residents. Using the Life Patterns Model as a conceptual framework, residents of 3 retirement communities (n = 240 residents) were surveyed. Median ages were ∼84 years, Nearly 85% (202) reported that they feel good about themselves and most (92.5%; n = 221) have things to do that they enjoy. Health status was strongly associated with having nearby relatives (rs = -.232, p > .000, n = 239). A factor analysis supported the use of the conceptual framework. Findings indicate that the tool can used for the designed purpose.

This was a descriptive study to examine the relationship between retirement planning, use of time, and the psychosocial adjustment to retirement. A 72-item questionnaire was mailed to all retirees (N = 1565) from an international company residing in seven southeastern states with a response of 764 (48.82%). Significant differences were found when comparing what retirees indicated they had done to prepare for retirement, and what they believed after retirement was important for people to do to prepare. Following retirement greater emphasis was placed not only on financial factors, but also on psychosocial adjustment and use of time. Findings suggest that retirement as a psychosocial transition needs to be an integral component of nursing assessments and interventions for retirees and their families.