ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews research on variables affecting decision-making about retirement and the extent to which women plan for this event. It describes retirement outcomes of women who planned their retirements with those who made fewer plans or who were constrained to retire. A complex mix of cognitions and feelings are likely to precede specific planning towards a retirement date, and these factors will differ for women and men. Women were more likely than men to have negative metacognitions about retirement financial planning, including that they found it hard to think about such planning, postponed thinking about it, became overwhelmed and confused by it and actually hated doing it. Thus, for women who have their own businesses or who are experts in their field, enjoyment of the practical, intellectual and social challenges may override financial issues and keep these women working beyond any economic 'need'.
