Retirement Adjustment in Germany From 1996 to 2014

Abstract The context of retirement has changed over the last decades, but there is little knowledge on whether quality adjustment as well. Changes in regulations and historical differences resources may affect increase inequalities between different socioeconomic groups. In present study, we investigated by comparing cross-sectional samples retirees from 1996, 2002, 2008, 2014, based population-based German Ageing Survey. Adjustment was measured with three indicators (perceived change life after retirement, satisfaction, difficulties). Retirement satisfaction higher later samples, for other two outcomes, no evidence systematic increases or decreases levels time studied period. White-collar workers reported better than blue-collar did, this effect stable time. white-collar workers’ advantage concerning however, increased. We conclude that Germany, at least those who retire within usual window, not systematically examined 18-year only found mixed a growing social inequality adjustment. However, individual agency choosing one’s timing pathway increasingly restricted, well-being before increase.