The lifestyle of retirement that we associate with leisure, travel, family activities, hobbies, and educational pursuits is a modern idea. This opportunity to "retire" from paid employment provided older adults with a new lifestyle the lifestyle of a "retiree."

Historically, retirement was a phase of life few individuals lived long enough to experience or enjoy. Overall, time spent in retirement was only 7% of adulthood or about 3 years. Because the average life expectancy in 2002 is 76 years, those retiring at age 65, on average, can expect to spend 18 to 20 years in the role of retiree! Have you wonder what is the best time to retire?

In the 21st century, retirement has become a life stage that people look forward to, plan for, and only experience after many years of working in the paid labor force. Although eligibility for a Social Security check is one factor that contributes to the retirement decision, it is not the only one. Evaluating one's financial ability to retire is most often the first step taken when the retirement decision is being considered. Others find they cannot afford to retire and must continue working. Being diagnosed with a chronic health problem or a debilitating illness can significantly influence one's decision to retire. It is much more likely that women will time their retirement according to family needs.

Despite the high number of women working, women are more likely than men to time their retirement in conjunction with their husband's or partner's retirement. Frequently, people assume that the retirement transition is an easy one that requires little thought or personal planning. This adjustment to retirement is influenced by a number of factors.

Being married in retirement has been shown to contribute to greater retirement satisfaction and successful adjustment to being retired for both men and women. Because men have greater difficulty with the loss of the worker role and have fewer alternative roles to depend on once retired, the social and emotional support that wives provide to husbands is particularly important to men's retirement adjustment.
The financial status and security of seniors in retirement can significantly influence the success or enjoyment of the retirement experience. It is important to note, however, that financial affluence does not guarantee an enjoyable retirement experience AND is not required in order to be happy in retirement.

Having contact with others, whether family or friends, contributes to the retirement adjustment process. Women, in particular, who have worked outside of the home, frequently report missing their work-related friends once they retire. It is important for both men and women to maintain contact with old friends as well as make new friends in retirement.

Adjusting to retirement is a process that is not always completed immediately after leaving the work place.