Now What? The Lived Experience of Women Forced to Retire and Implications to Health in Later Life

Women in the United States are retiring at an unprecedented rate, with many retirements driven by recent economic downturns and social expectations, such as caregiving. Successful retirement transition is a key component of happiness during older adulthood, but many factors suggest that forced retirement may have a negative impact on health. The purpose of the current research study was to explore the lived experiences of women who were forced to retire. The current study population comprised 10 women, age ≥55, recruited from community settings to participate in individual semi-structured interviews. Participants shared common experiences, despite having different reasons for retiring. The overarching theme of Now What? Denied the Opportunity to Mentally Prepare was identified. Findings suggest opportunities for nurses to assess women for mental and physical health indicators and assist them as they transition into retirement, particularly if the retirement was unplanned. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(10), 12-16.].