Retirees' perceptions of goal setting: A qualitative study

To investigate the language and meanings that retirees give to goals, including their perceptions of the benefits and limitations of pursuing goals in retirement.

In-depth interviews and mini-group discussions were conducted with 60 community-dwelling Australian retirees aged 57 to 88 years. Data were transcribed and analysed thematically.

Responses to the term 'goal' varied by age in relation to the meaning and relevance of the term to retirement planning, largely shaped by the perceived formality and flexibility of goal setting which linked to acceptance or fear of failure when goals were not achieved with three profiles emerging: the Acceptors, the Ambivalent and the Rejectors. Language was highly influential in forming perceptions.

Retirees' perceptions about the meaning and usefulness of goals varied greatly, with the language used a key factor in the perceived relevance of goal setting.