A lthough many couples anticipate retirement and welcome spending time together, some find the transition extremely stressful and challenging. While most marriages survive numerous life transitions, including raising children, changing careers, and adjusting to the birth of grandchildren, many couples are not prepared for spending the majority of their time together. Couples may be married for several decades to realize that they have little in common. Others find that what attracted them to their spouse initially is now bothersome and irritating. Adjustment by both parties, along with support and understanding, is necessary to facilitate a smooth transition to life after retirement.
Retirement is experienced differently by men and women.
Men may experience retirement as a loss of identity, purpose, and meaning in their lives. Men may be uncertain of their identity following retirement, as they are no longer in the role of provider for the family. For some, this can greatly diminish self-esteem and compromise adjustment. Women experience retirement quite differently. Those who have worked in the home may become frustrated at the prospect of not being able to retire.