The efficacy of preretirement preparation programs for industrial workers

The ability of preretirement programs to generate changes which will facilitate the transition to retirement was investigated. A research design incorporating two experimental groups and one control group was employed to evaluate a group discussion program and an individual briefing program. Questionnaire data were collected prior to the programs and 1 mo. after program completion. Over 70 hourly and salaried male workers, age 60+, participated in the project. The group discussion program was effective in increasing knowledge of retirement issues. Participants felt better prepared for retirement and evidenced less uncertainty about the future. They also exhibited a significant increase in the number of preparation activities undertaken and the prevalence of retirement plans. Effectiveness of the individual briefing program was relatively minimal. This study indicated that a comprehensive preretirement program can produce favorable changes in retirement-related knowledge, attitudes, and behavior.