Travel and books top retirement activities
Recreational travel and reading, followed by hobbies and then time spent with relatives and friends are the top planned retirement activities according to a recent study of 200 public sector employees at a retirement seminar.
The study showed that nearly all planned travel and developing a hobby or craft; more (99 %) women than men (89%) were keen on reading; and 88 % of men and 93% of women would be spending time with family and relatives.
The study by Jenny Onyx and Ellen Baker of the University of Technology Sydney, examined the concept that the opportunities for a variety of retirement lifestyle options are increasing today.
Of those interviewed 96% of the men and 89% of the women were employed full-time. The mean age was 56.4 years and the mean age at which people intended to retire was 58.7 years; 36 % intended to retire at 60 and only 7 % intended to retire at 65 years or older.
There was a strong consistency in the reasons for retirement with 74% stating “it is time”, 86 % feeling they wanted to do other things beside work, and 80% wanting more time for themelves and family. Very few people were intending to retire for health reasons and about 20% were influenced by work restructuring.
A sizeable minority would be looking for alternative sources of income with men (32%) and women (17%) seeking some form of self-employment. But most would be developing new, non-employment interests. Women were more likely to study (32% against men 15 %) especially if they did not have a partner.
The study concluded that the prognosis for a successful and full “third age” for the people surveyed “is very good indeed. It is likely that they will enjoy a variety of new experiences, new learning, and a wealth of social experiences. It is also likely that many will continue to contribute to society through voluntary work and other support of families and the wider community”.
