Older adults’ perceptions and previous expectations about retirement and its causes: a qualitative study

• Retirement is a dynamic and multifactorial process influenced by age, health status and socioeconomic conditions. • A qualitative approach provides an in-depth understanding of older adults’ expectations and perceived causes of retirement. • Gender influenced retirement perceptions and satisfaction during this life stage. • Prior preparation improves adaptation, well-being and quality of life during retirement. • Nursing interventions should integrate these findings to support older adults’ perceptions. The retirement process is a dynamic and changing phenomenon, as are older adults’ perceptions, which are crucial for adapting nursing care during this process. Aim: To understand retired adults’ perceptions and prior expectations regarding retirement and its causes. This qualitative study was designed and analysed by Giorgi's descriptive phenomenology. Data were collected via in-depth interviews and focus and triangular groups in a maximum variability intentional sample of retired older adults, aged 60 years or older, who were residing in Cuenca or Toledo (Spain). Data analysis followed descriptive phenomenology with the support of ATLAS.ti 25 software. Ethical issues and Guba and Lincoln's principles of validity were respected. Seventeen older adults participated in the study. Four main themes emerged: 1) preretirement expectations (general and specific), 2) expectations of compliance (satisfaction and dissatisfaction), 3) perceptions of retirement causes (internal and external causes), and 4) vital changes after retirement (main perceived changes and feelings associated with retirement). Retirement perceptions and expectations are influenced by internal and external factors. Retired older adults are more satisfied with their expectations with respect to greater health, economic status and previous preparation, whereas when the role of caregiver is assumed, in the case of men, their satisfaction with the work performed and the COVID-19 pandemic hinder their satisfaction with the retirement process. Moreover, prior expectations and early retirement are associated with greater life dissatisfaction. Public policies and nursing interventions for retirement need to incorporate older adults’ expectations to adapt to their specific needs.