The lived experience of well-being in retirement: A phenomenological study. Issue 1 (1st January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bauger, Lars; Bongaardt, Rob
• Is Part Of: International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being. Volume 11:Issue 1(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-01-01
• Subjects: Retirement -- aging -- perception of time -- agency -- generativity -- well-being -- phenomenology -- qualitative methods; Qualitative research -- Periodicals; Health -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; 362.1072
• DOI: 10.3402/qhw.v11.33110
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-2623

Abstract

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.