The nature of social groups in retirement adjustment outcomes

This program of research, that was funded by the Australian Research Council, examines the contribution that social group factors make to retirement adjustment. It has examined the contribution of social factors, compared to other factors (such as health, finances, etc) to retirement outcomes. Other studies have examined the extent to which the nature of retirees' social group memberships (i.e., the quality, type and diversity of their group) predicts retirement adjustment and mental health in those who have recently retired. These findings have also contributed to development of an online program to support people in managing identity change in retirement through working with the social groups that inform identity.