ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents the generic models or frameworks that have been used by psychologists and other social scientists to study retirement. It discusses the processes of retirement for women, examining research relating to women's work trajectories, retirement decision making and planning, and the 'journey' transitioning out of the workforce through to full retirement. Several different models or frameworks have shaped psychosocial research into retirement. Lifespan development models consider retirement to be a process occurring over time and comprising different stages. As well, overall life satisfaction, retirement satisfaction and satisfaction with social life each had different demographic and behavioural predictors. Social changes that have markedly influenced women's patterns of work outside the home include later age of marriage, fewer children and longer lifespan.
