An empirical test for phases of retirement: findings from the Normative Aging Study

Although gerontologists have shown considerable interest in describing possible phases of retirement, the temporal course of retirement experience remains largely unspecified. This study of 293 male retirees from the Normative Aging Study used cross-sectional data to compare levels of life satisfaction and lesiure activities across 6-month time intervals within the first 3 years after retirement. Regression models were used to test the hypothesis that men retired 0 to 6 months differed from men retired for longer periods. Findings showed that, compared with these recent retirees, men retired 13 to 18 months had lower levels of overall life satisfaction and self-perceived involvement in physical activities. Analyses of the constituents of life satisfaction showed greater optimism and future orientation among recent retirees and a comparative deficit at 13 to 18 months. These findings support an interpretation that the immediate postretirement period is marked by more enthusiasm and that some degree of temporary letdown or dysphoria is likely during the second year of retirement.