A snapshot of the transition into retirement from academia in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

Abstract

Australia has an aging population with increasing numbers embarking on the major life transition to retirement when compared to previous decades. The Australian university sector has experienced considerable upheaval as it has undergone austerity measures to attempt to manage the impact of the pandemic. The objective of this study was to conduct interviews with Australian university academics who have recently transitioned into retirement, to explore their experience of transitioning to retirement in a COVID-19 environment. The study followed the COREQ guidelines for qualitative studies. Participants were selected based on having recently retired within the previous two years from an Australian university. We conducted semi-structured interviews to explore the participants’ in-depth experience of the transition to, as well the actual experience of retirement. Thematic analysis was conducted. Six participants with a mean age of 64.7 years were interviewed for this study. Five super-ordinate themes emerged; ‘dissatisfaction with the university,’ ‘desire to continue to be involved,’ ‘financial considerations,’ ‘loss of identity, meaning and belonging,’ and ‘the need to plan and maintain a structured life.’ Retirement was seen as an important change in life. There appeared to be a weighing up of the value of quality of life, perhaps influenced by a growing awareness of its shortness. The respondents believed it is extremely important to plan retirement and to start this process early. Proffered recommendations included the making of plans to remain mentally and physically active, and to maintain purpose into retirement.