Introduction: With the world population ageing the number of eldery people facing retirement is increasing. Retirement means more than just quitting a job. It represents the acceptance of a new social role and social network, changes in the daily rhythm of life, the possibility of involvement in leisure activities and interests, and a new occupational repertoire. Purpose: We researched how participans experience the changes that retirement brings and how they adapt to them. We investigated changes in the structure of the day, routines, occupations, roles and own identity. We were also interested in whether they are satisfied with their lives and what are their suggestions for easier adjustment to retirement. Methods: We conducted a qualitative research in which we obtained data through semi-structured interviews with five participans who have been retired for a maximum of 5 years. We analyzed the data qualitatively. Results: The biggest changes are reported by participans in a longer morning routine. The morning rush is replaced by shared routines between spouses. Daily tasks are spread out over the entire day, and the most active part of the day is the morning. Taking care of their health is a priority for them, and accordingly, they have acquired new healthy habits and started to give up unhealthy habits, such as drinking alcohol and cigarettes. Their range of occupations has changed. Priority occupations are occupations in nature and taking care of their own appearance. Roles that are gaining in importance are grandmother, caregiver and wife. All of participans described a reduced social network and some also had difficulties in making new contacts. They mentioned difficulties in maintaining the structure of the day, stress, feelings of anxiety, insignificance, feeling lost when losing the role of a worker, and missing the faster rythm of life. Planning the day had a positive impact on productivity during the day and a sense of control over their lives. Despite the challenges, retirement was generally described as peace, freedom, a break from external demands, a slower rythm, relief and more time to spend with family members. Discussion and conclusion: The wishes and goals of participans are to maintain good family relationships, participate in communities and maintain health. Supporting factors for easier adjustment to retirement are family support, self-esteem and maintaining an active life. Participants are generally satisfied with their lives and believe that they have successfully adapted to retirement.
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