First years (18 months -5 years) of Retirement Experience Survey

Retirement Dreams and Realities Survey

So how is retirement going for you? With some experience under your belt, we'd love to know your thoughts on this early phase

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* 1. How is retirement going for you?

I love it, never felt so empowered over my own life

It's mostly great although I miss certain aspects

Good days, bad days plus many nothing days

I am struggling to get the most out of my days

I feel like a forgotten book on a shelf

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* 2. Which of the following phases have you experienced during your retirement? (Check all boxes that apply)

Honeymoon period

Low feelings

New outlooks

Stability

Reorientation

Disenchantment

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* 3. Which sentence best describes how you fill your days?

I work a set number of hours per week and make the most of my free time

I am focusing on a project or developing my interests most days

I spend quality time with the people I love, doing activities together and making plans

I make plans for traveling and exploring places

I don't have a fixed routine or strong interests. I generally potter around and do what needs to be done

I am usually in front of a screen, looking for entertainment

I can't really say where the time goes

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* 4. What, if anything, is missing in your life? (check all boxes that apply)

Purposeful work or activities

No real hobbies or interests to dive into

Good friends or companions to share retirement with

A supportive partner

Enough money to enjoy retirement

Energy and strength to do things

A plan. What should I be doing?

My own island and yacht. Otherwise I can't really complain

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* 5. Do you receive support from any of the following? (Check all boxes that apply)

Family

Friends

Professional organizations

Community groups

Other retirees

No support

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* 6. Has any aspect of your life undergone significant improvement since retiring? (check all boxes that apply)

My overall level of happiness is better

I finally have time to devote to my interests

My fitness level and health are getting better attention

I enjoy much more quality time with friends and family

I am trying new things in my life and opening my world up

I am more financially aware

I enjoy more time for relaxing

The freedom to travel is amazing

I've got a much better balance between work and free time

Maybe. I just can't think what

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* 7. Has any aspect of your life worsened since retiring? (Check all boxes that apply)

I am overall more dissatisfied in retirement than before

I have less of a sense of identity and purpose

My social circle has become smaller and less fulfilling

I have noticed my health and fitness deteriorate

I am losing interest in the world

I have no firm routine to organize my life

My relationship with my partner has become worse

I don't have enough money to enjoy retirement

I leave the house only when I have to

I can't really pinpoint any downturns

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* 8. How do you feel about the next 5 years?

Great, I'm on a good path

Cautiously optimistic

I don't know, some help would be good

I worry that many aspects will get worse, but I don't know how to change things

I am pessimistic

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* 9. Which sentence(s) best describes retirement in your opinion?

So far, it's the best chapter of my life

It's a fabulous opportunity to live the life you dreamt about

It could be good, but you should really have a plan

It's the rest and relaxation I have longed for

It's like Sunday everyday

Nothing much to shout about

It's downhill all the way

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* 10. As a valued participant in our retirement experience survey, we'd love to stay connected with you. Please share your email address with us, and join our community of insightful voices shaping the future of retirement