Abstract
Objective
Previous research has demonstrated that retirees tend to report lower levels for sense of purpose compared to working adults. However, it remains unclear whether adults show differences in the extent to which they expect to be purposeful during retirement, and what that may mean for the propensity to plan for retirement.
Method
The current study examined this question in a cross-sectional sample of 492 adults (Age: M = 39.28, SD = 8.35) prior to retirement. Participants completed an adapted measure to capture expected purposeful engagement during retirement, along with sense of purpose, retirement planning, and the Big Five personality traits.
Results
Factor analyses and zero-order correlations suggested that purposeful retirement perceptions are related yet distinct from sense of purpose in general, and adults on average expect a moderately purposeful retirement. Purposeful retirement scores were associated with multiple retirement planning scales, and remained predictive of retirement preparation even when accounting for the Big Five and demographic factors.
Conclusion
Adults differ in how purposeful they expect to be during their future retirement. Moreover, these differences may be a valuable consideration when understanding how to promote retirement planning.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.