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Retirees' perceptions of goal setting: A qualitative study
Dorothy Dudley1,2, Kate O'Loughlin1,2, Sophie Lewis3
1Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Retirees perceive goals differently in retirement, with language shaping their views on goal-setting benefits and limitations. Understanding these diverse perspectives is key for effective retirement planning.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Retirement presents unique challenges and opportunities for personal growth and planning.
- Understanding retirees' perspectives on goal-setting is crucial for developing supportive resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the language and meanings retirees associate with goals.
- To investigate retirees' perceptions of the benefits and limitations of pursuing goals during retirement.
Main Methods:
- In-depth interviews and mini-group discussions with 60 Australian retirees (aged 57-88).
- Thematic analysis of transcribed interview and discussion data.
Main Results:
- Retirees' understanding of 'goal' varied by age, influencing retirement planning relevance.
- Perceptions were shaped by the perceived formality and flexibility of goal setting.
- Three distinct profiles emerged: Acceptors, Ambivalent, and Rejectors, influenced by fear of failure.
Conclusions:
- Retirees exhibit diverse perceptions regarding the meaning and utility of goals in retirement.
- The language used to discuss goals significantly impacts their perceived relevance and acceptance in retirement planning.
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