Gearing up to 62 and over : challenges women face on reaching retirement age

Abstract

The aim of this research is to get an insight on how women prepare for the challenges of retirement. This qualitative research looks at the issues of retirement and retirement planning through Maltese women's perspectives. It is based on five in-depth interviews with women with different marital statuses. A thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings suggest that factors related to education, marital status and number of children are important components that differentiated women with their attitudes invariably depend on the three elements above which are met in most cases by "choosing" family for work or "combining" family and work. Notwithstanding all the challenges, dreams to enjoy retirement life exist among women. The discussion concludes with policy suggestions related to assisting women to prepare for a successful retirement.