The lived experience of well-being in retirement: A phenomenological study

Abstract

This phenomenological study aimed to identify and describe the general meaning structure of the experience of well-being after retirement. We interviewed nine retirees about their lived experiences with well-being and analysed the data with Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological method. The general meaning structure described well-being in retirement as a phenomenon that interweaves four constituents: (1) an awareness of and gratitude for a healthy and functioning body, (2) a new experience of time presenting possibilities for action, (3) a heightened sense of agency, and (4) being-in-place in relationships. We discuss these findings in relation to relevant literature of successful aging, the perception of time, eudaimonic and hedonic well-being and generativity. Our findings contribute to the field by comprehensibly describing the phenomenon of well-being as it is experienced by retirees, which we conclude to be a valuable contribution for initiatives promoting well-being in retirement.

Maturity and Well-Being: The Development of Self-Authorship, Eudaimonic Motives, Age, and Subjective Well-Being

“…There are also some indications that self-authorship is important for elder's well-being, e.g. in a recent qualitative study, self-authorship was one of constituting elements in retirees' experiences of well-being (Bauger and Bongaardt 2016). Kegan (1994) emphasizes that how levels of psychological maturity relate to well-being depends on how they match with individuals' daily life requires of them.…”

The double negative: Personality differentially predicts sensitivity to need support and thwarting, and subsequent behavioural response planning

“…Similarly, the diversity in experience is one mechanism explaining the variability in retirement experiences, particularly concerning well-being, loneliness and isolation (Bauger & Bongaardt, 2016;Wang, 2007). Future work could explore the potential to design and implement interventions tailored to providing need seeking experiences in retirement for those most at risk at becoming isolated when exiting employment.…”

Workplace violence among Registered Nurses in Saudi Arabia: A qualitative study

“…Before conducting individual interviews, all researchers underwent workshops about proper approach and techniques in conducting the interview sessions, which includes peer debriefing, transferability, triangulation of data and various techniques in handling data and analysis. After 2 months, the researchers revisited and directed individual interviews (Bauger & Bongaardt, 2016). The schedule of interview depends on the availability and most suitable time of the participants, usually during off‐duty hours and/or before and after scheduled shifts.…”