Six Stages of Retirement

There are several models of retirement stages, but one of the most commonly referenced is the six-stage model developed by Robert Atchley, a gerontologist and retirement expert. The six stages are:

Pre-retirement: This stage typically begins several years before retirement and involves planning and preparing for retirement, both financially and emotionally. It can be a time of excitement or anxiety, as individuals contemplate the changes that retirement will bring.

Honeymoon: This stage usually lasts about six months to a year after retirement and is characterized by a sense of relief and enjoyment. People may decompress and then feel free from work-related stress and responsibilities, and often engage in leisure activities they were not able to do before retirement.

Disenchantment: This stage is marked by a sense of boredom, restlessness, or disillusionment that may set in after the honeymoon phase ends. Retirees may find that their new routines lack meaning or purpose, and they may feel disconnected from their former work colleagues or sense a loss of identity.

Reorientation: In this stage, retirees begin to develop new interests, relationships, or goals that provide a sense of purpose and meaning. They may also re-evaluate their retirement plans and adjust their lifestyle accordingly.

Retirement routine: During this stage, retirees settle into a new daily routine and become more comfortable with their post-retirement life. They may continue to engage in leisure activities or pursue new hobbies, and they often develop a sense of contentment and satisfaction.

Termination of retirement: This stage involves a decline in health or ability that makes it difficult or impossible to maintain the retirement lifestyle. Retirees may return to work, seek alternative living arrangements, or require assistance with daily activities.

If you want help moving through any of the stages, let’s chat. You can schedule a free, no obligation call here.