The word “retirement” evokes different imagery for different people. Some envision lounging on the beach with a cool drink; others are excited to finally apply for the job they always wanted. Then there are those who are unprepared to suddenly face free time, often for the first time in their lives, which can provoke anxiety as well as anticipation. Yet for everyone nearing the end of a career, one important contributor to a happy, healthy retirement is the freedom to choose how to spend your time. Research explains.
Finally Free: Choosing How to Spend Time
As I explored in more detail in a previous post,[i] Anastasia Fadeeva et al. (2025) investigated the interplay between individual and contextual factors in seeking to understand the framework within which people experience and navigate retirement.[ii] They identified three prominent themes: rebuilding identity, social interaction, and independence. Regarding identity, they note that many of their retired study participants experienced an identity crisis because of having lost their role at work, which is consistent with the link between retirement and identity transition, including the quest for new meaning in life. Fadeeva et al. reported that their study participants attempted to incorporate new roles and activities, reinforce other spheres of life, or revive former interests or habits. Yet unfortunately, because not every activity provides new meaning, many recent retirees continually search for fulfilling and satisfying pursuits.
Fadeeva et al. do, however, highlight the value of breaking free from a work routine, sometimes referred to by recent retirees as the “honeymoon” phase, which makes sense considering the most anticipated factor for this group is freedom from work stress and obligations. Yet other research indicates the key to happiness post-retirement may be choosing group affiliation that is positive and fulfilling.
More Than “Staying Busy:” Socialize Strategically
One key to post-employment fulfillment is affiliation with several types of social groups instead of maintaining a single source of identity. Catherine Haslam et al. (2023)[iii] found that different types of social factors contribute to successful transition into retirement. Studying a sample of Australian workers who had retired within the past year, they found that although pre-retirement group memberships did not directly impact retirement outcomes directly, they served as sources of support by allowing retirees to maintain existing group memberships while gaining new ones. Their findings confirmed the significance of social dynamics and group membership for the health and well-being of retirees.
Yet other research validates what many ex-employees have experienced first-hand: not all post-retirement social group memberships are equally fulfilling. Crystal J. La Rue et al. (2024)[iv] found that group memberships that are important and supportive prompt better adjustment in retirement. Using data from 489 retirees who belonged to 1887 groups, they found that retirees who belonged to more optimal groups enjoyed better adjustment, higher life satisfaction and mental health outcomes, while belonging to groups described as ambivalent or straining (including experiencing some degree of rejection) contributed to poorer adjustment, lower life satisfaction and a higher degree of depression.
Because most of us already know what type of affiliations bring us the most pleasure, research confirms those should take priority. From faith to family, fitness to philanthropy, the key is freedom of choice. Living our best lives post-employment is not about staying busy but staying fulfilled—which could make retirement the best years of your life.