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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.

Retirement is a significant transition in life that creates major changes, especially regarding how a person uses available time. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of all retirees (N = 1,565) from an international company living in seven southeastern states regarding changes in 12 use of time activities following retirement and the implications of those changes for preretirement planning and postretirement interventions. Findings indicate that among a primarily healthy sample, there were significant changes in 10 of the 12 activities. There was an increase in sedentary activities, no change in physical exercise or social activities, and a minimal difference across gender. Type of preretirement position held, however, was a factor. This suggests the need for early planning and programs on use of time activities and management designed to meet individualized needs in preparation for retirement and during postretirement adjustment.