Evaluating the impact of retirement leisure planning on retirement satisfaction and vitality: a mixed-method study

ABSTRACT

This study examined what leisure planning priorities and activities contribute to retirement vitality and satisfaction. Founded on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Serious Leisure Perspective (SLP), an online survey and a focus group discussion were conducted to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data were analyzed using the constant comparison method, word count, and classical content analysis. Quantitative methods were applied to determine if retirement satisfaction and vitality related to SDT constructs in addition to retirement leisure planning priorities. Spearman correlation analyses showed significant correlations between vitality and retirement satisfaction, competence satisfaction, relatedness satisfaction, and autonomy satisfaction, and casual leisure competence and project leisure competence. Significant correlations were also found between retirement satisfaction and retirement competence, relatedness satisfaction, and autonomy satisfaction, and casual leisure competence. Suggestions for further research are recommended, and specific priorities for retirement planning are proposed.

KEYWORDS:

• Retirement planning
• retirement transition
• well-being
• self-determination theory
• serious leisure perspective

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Arne Hetherington

Arne Hetherington is an affiliate with the Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health at the University of Victoria, Canada. His doctoral work in the School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, titled ‘Exploring Leisure Planning: Implications for Retirement’, was completed in 2019 at the University of Victoria in Victoria, Canada.

Sam Liu

Dr Sam Liu is a faculty member in the School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education at the University of Victoria in Victoria, Canada. His research focuses on two main areas: 1) developing and evaluating the effectiveness of digital communication technology (e.g. Internet, mobile phones, social media) to help individuals prevent chronic diseases, 2) finding innovative ways to monitor and predict behaviours and health outcomes using big data in order to better target and personalize digital health interventions.

John Meldrum

John Meldrum is a faculty member and past Director of the School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education at the University of Victoria in Victoria, Canada. His research is focused on the impact of leisure choice and constraint on life satisfaction and well being.