Navigating retirement transitions: A psychological exploration among healthcare retirees in Southwestern Nigeria

Aderonke Julienne Adetunji^*, Emelda Zandile Gumede
School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College, Desmond Clarence Building, 5th Floor, Durban, South Africa
* Corresponding Author: Aderonke Julienne Adetunji. Email: email

Journal of Psychology in Africa https://doi.org/10.32604/jpa.2026.078093

Received 24 December 2025; Accepted 31 March 2026; Published online 07 July 2026

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Abstract

Retirement is a significant life transition that often requires deep psychological adjustments, especially among healthcare professionals who are used to structured and demanding work environments. In Nigeria, little attention has been given to the emotional experiences of retirees in the healthcare sector. This study explored the lived experiences of retired healthcare workers’ psychological transition through their emotional adjustments and coping strategies. This study explored the lived experiences of psychological transitions of retired healthcare workers through their emotional adjustments and coping strategies. Informants were 21retirees from three purposively selected federal health institutions in Southwest Nigeria. Eligible individuals had been retired for at least two years. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, audio-recorded with consent, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, with coding managed in NVivo Version 12. Two main themes, being prepared and emotional adjustment emerged, and limited resources. Participants described readiness for retirement as feelings of relief and positive emotions associated with freedom from demanding work schedules and occupational stress, allowing more time for family, rest, and personal interests. However, they also acknowledged the gradual physical and emotional changes associated with aging, which shaped their expectations and required lifestyle adjustments. Financial strain and coping strategies significantly shaped post-retirement well-being. Many participants reported difficulties adjusting to reduced or irregular income and adopted coping strategies such as careful budgeting, reliance on family support, small-scale income-generating activities, and the use of personal savings to meet daily needs. Psychological challenges intensify two years post-retirement. Consistent with Activity Theory, continued engagement and comprehensive emotional, social, and financial preparation support healthier retirement transitions. Therefore, retirement transition preparation programmes should extend beyond pre-retirement seminars to include ongoing post-retirement support, such as counselling, peer support groups, and opportunities for continued social and community engagement.