Psychosocial Issues ‌of Retirement in Iran: ‌A Qualitative Study

Objectives‏: Retirement as a potential challenge transition in aging has different‏ effects on elderly people’s lives. The purpose of this study ‏was to identify the psychosocial consequences, obstacles, and facilitators of retirement. Methods ‏&Materials‏: The conventional content analysis method was used in this study. Samples were based‏ on‏ maximum diversity and purposeful sampling strategy. Participants were 22 experienced or scientific experts in retirement. Data were collected through semi-structured  interviews from February 2019 to September 2019. Granheim and Landman (2004) approach ‏was used in data analysis. Results‏: Fifty-nine percent of entire participants were male and forty one percents were female. Four main categories and thirteen subcategories were extracted which covered different psychosocial aspects of retirement. Psychosocial challenges were included emotional deprivation, reduction of psychological resilience, roles loss, social isolation, and family challenges. Post-retirement growth was categorized into two subcategories including develop active interests and activities, and freedom. In Retirement adjustment obstacles category identified health problems, lack of retirement plans, and macro system deficit as subcategories. Besides, contextual and supportive facilitators category was included individual characteristics, job characteristics, and social support systems. Conclusion‏: The results showed that individuals face psychosocial challenges or growth opportunities in retirement. Furthermore, some obstacles and facilitators can affect retirement adjustment. Therefore, the preparation for retirement is an important subject in elderly care services.  elderlyService providers and health care professionals can use the finding of this study in their interventions to promote the psychosocial well-being of retirees and their families.‎