This article explores a relatively new and little understood phenomenon, that of the Australian Grey Nomads. Every year increasing numbers of older Australians take to the road. This article explores the phenomenon both empirically and theoretically. A grounded approach is used by which the experience is explored from an ethnographic account…

Investigated validity of Goal Instability scale as predictor of adjustment among retirement-aged population of industrial workers. Conducted study to establish norms and internal reliability of modified version of scale and to examine predictive validity of scale within hierarchical model. Results generally support validity of Goal Instability…

Considers retirement as widespread developmental transition. Seeks to exploit and advance Erikson's life cycle model by noting major transition challenges between generativity and integrity; distinguishing between tasks and outcomes in such transitions; and viewing such tasks as derived from historical, biological, psychological, and sociocultural…

Interviews with 7 retired adults over 55 were thematically analyzed and coded, revealing their learning motivations to be either instrumental (meeting survival and personal effectiveness needs) or expressive (meaningful and purposeful). Needs and goals were related to adult developmental themes; learning was essential to increasing individual…

The article argues the case for rethinking the way we look at the process of ageing in the work place and the images we use to describe the nature of life for people over 50. Rather than there being more old and frail people in the community, many more people are experiencing an extended middle age, and their numbers are increasing. There are in…

The concept of Personal Major Events is proposed as a methodological approach to the study of death and dying with retired couples. A pilot study which elicited the personal major events during retirement of retired couples indicated that these couples tended to place different emphases on death. (Author)

Research shows the elderly retain competence and have potential for development. However, review of low educational participation of Austrian older adults suggests constraints: influence of the social group, instructors' attitudes, and rigid separation of education, work, and retirement that limits postretirement participation. (SK)

Reports details of an educational program designed and implemented at one retirement community. Cites a national survey which attests to the uniqueness of this program. Recommends that educational programs based on this model be implemented at all retirement communities. (Author/ABB)

A stress model was developed to explore the impact of role loss upon the lives of the elderly. Cumulative data was used to test the model separately for men and women. Results indicated that role loss does have an indirect and direct effect on coping resources and life satisfaction. (Author)

The sequence of planning was the same for all groups and included a resource-planning stage followed by a relationship-planning stage. Retirement programs for rural couples should focus on those in their forties and should involve both spouses and family members. (Author/JAC)

Examined the marriage relationship in relation to the personality of the partners and the context within which the relationship exists. Results indicated that both the amount of love expressed and the amount of marriage problems declined from the first stages of marriage to the last. (Author/RC)

Explores the relationship between retirement planning and demographic and attitudinal factors. One-third of the sample had planned for retirement. Planning was more common among males and high-status individuals. (Author)

This paper outlines a sequence of age-related developmental stages of the adult years, with a special emphasis on the preretirement period. Age-related life stages are discussed in the context of organizational behavior, the person-organization relationship, and the disengagement processes of retirement. (Author)

Offers seven methodologically distinct delivery concepts visible in preretirement education today, suggests their distinguishing qualities in terms of methodological principles and leader-training issues, and illustrates the more influential concepts with examples of established program models. The contexts are the university-gerontology arena,…

Describes the use of David Savageau's book, "Retirement Places Rated," as a tool for teaching U.S. regional geography. Discusses factors used to evaluate and rate regions as retirement destinations. Includes two project assignments used in a college-level course titled "Geography of the Aged." (CFR)