Patterns of retirement planning in a selected community

The study was conducted to obtain information concerning planning for retirement in the areas of income, health, work/leisure options, and family-interpersonal concerns among persons 45 to 64 years old in a small community for use in training development and program planning. Data were collected from a random sample (N=84) obtained through a telephone search among households in the community of Warrenton, Virginia, with persons aged 45 to 64 who had not yet retired.

The purpose was threefold: to find (a) whether a relationship existed between planning for retirement and the independent variables of age, sex, education, income level, occupation, and locus of control; (b) whether a relationship existed between perceived importance of planning for retirement and the independent variables; and (c) whether a relationship existed between attendance at a community sponsored pre-retirement program and the independent variables.

Chi-square analyses and stepwise multiple regression were used to analyze the data. Results showed significant relationships (p < .05) between (a) planning for income in retirement and education, age, and sex (in that order) and (b) planning for work/leisure in retirement and age, occupation, education, and income level. Results showed significant relationships (p < .05) between (a) importance of a pension in retirement and income, occupation, education, sex, and locus of control and (b) importance of independent income sources and education and age. Finally, results showed a significant relationship between attendance at a preretirement program and locus of control, age, education, occupation, sex, and income. This study provides valuable data for future preretirement programs.