This study was designed to: (a) identify the perceptions of retirees about changes in their life patterns during retirement; (b) investigate the kinds of adjustment problems occurring in retirement as a basis for developing prevention oriented preretirement programs; and (c) identify extant factors which could demonstrate underlying themes relating to retirement adjustment. A 72‐item, multiple response questionnaire was used to gather demographic data, information on use of time, pre‐retirement planning, health problems, changing life patterns, and adjustment to retirement. It is the latter which is reported in these findings. The population included 1565 retirees from a designated company living in the south‐eastern United States of America, with a response of 764 subjects (48·82%). Findings suggest the respondents were generally healthy and well adjusted; however, numerous adjustment problem areas were identified within the six life patterns. Additional factor analysis (principal components) demonstrated four factors of particular importance: satisfaction with retirement, retirement concerns, spousal relationships, and pre‐retirement preparation outcomes.