1. Introduction
Reports in Iran show an upward trend in the number of retirees in line with the growth of the elderly population in Iran and the world [1,2,3,4]. In addition, increasing life expectancy has increased the length of time retirees spend in retirement [5]. This raises the importance of considering retirement as a potentially challenging issue in old age with different effects on different aspects of people’s lives. This stage is considered an important event for lifestyle change [6] that affects people’s identity, communication [7], leisure [8] and social participation [9, 10]. The aim of this study was to investigate the consequences, barriers and psychosocial facilitators of retirement.

2. Methods & Materials 
In this study, we used conventional qualitative content analysis. The samples consisted of 22 people with experience or expertise in the field of retirement, who were selected by conventional content analysis. Inclusion criteria for them were: having one year until retirement, at least one year of retirement experience, and sufficient knowledge and expertise in the field of retirement. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, each for 50-90 minutes using open-ended questions which were initiated based on the purpose of the study and then by using exploratory questions in order to obtain more in-depth information. Aftereach interview was transcribed and analyzed using inductive content analysis. Data analysis was performed using Graneheim and Lundman’s qualitative content analysis approach. The accuracy and rigors of this study was determined based on two criteria of reliability and acceptability and using continuous observation methods, long-term presence in the research field, allocating sufficient time to review the details of data, field notes and verification of findings by researchers and participants [11, 12].

3. Results
Of 22 participants, 59% were male and 41% were female. Data analysis led to the extraction of 4 main themes and 13 sub-themes that formed different psychological and social dimensions of the retirement phenomenon. Main categories included: psychosocial challenges (emotional deprivation, reduced psychological resilience, role loss, social isolation, and family challenges), post-retirement development (development of interests and activities, and feeling of being free), barriers to retirement adaptation (health problems, lack of a retirement plan, and macro-structural deficiencies), and contextual/supportive facilitators (individual characteristics, job characteristics, and social support systems) (Table 1).


In the psychosocial challenges category, participants noted the negative effects of retirement such as feeling neglected and receiving different attitudes from others, not accepting the new situation, feeling lost and low self-worth, reduction or severance of social relations, and family disputes. On the other hand, the results showed that retirement provides an opportunity for people to pursue favorite activities and get rid of job-related limitations, which is effective in increasing their quality of life. Participants reported physical problems in old age and complications of excessive workload as health problems in adaption to retirement. Unexpected retirement without preparation for it and lack of individual planning were reported as other barriers to adaptation to retirement. Moreover, negative stereotypes about retirement and old age, shortcomings in retirement programs and policies, and association between unfavorable economic condition of the society and the economic status of the retired person were considered as macro-structural deficiencies in adaption to retirement. Acceptance of retirement, values, realistic expectations based on individual ability were also described as individual characteristics facilitating adaption to retirement. Job-related limitations, burnout and, on the other hand, a sense of job satisfaction were introduced as job characteristics that affect adaption to retirement. Family support, pre- and post-retirement social networks and the quality of relationships with them, social participation, counseling and retirement preparation programs were mentioned as other facilitators of adaption to retirement.

4. Conclusion
After retirement, people face psychosocial challenges and development opportunities. In the meantime, the existence of facilitators or barriers can affect these challenges or opportunities. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the consequences, positive aspects of post-retirement development, barriers and facilitators of adaption to retirement. Moreover, preparation for retirement as an important factor in old age should be considered by service providers, specialists and planners in the psychological and social fields. More attention to the development of pre- and post-retirement interventions, enrichment of retirement preparation programs and promotion of existing services can be effective in improving the well-being of retirees and even their families.

Ethical Considerations
Compliance with ethical guidelines
The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (Code: IR.USWR.REC.1397.042). The participants were informed about the purpose of the research and its implementation stages. They were also assured about the confidentiality of their information and were free to leave the study whenever they wished, and if desired, the research results would be available to them.

Funding
The paper was extracted from the PhD. dissertation of the first author at Department of Social Work, School of Behavioral Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran. 

Authors' contributions
All authors equally contributed to preparing this article.
 
Conflicts of interest
The authors declared no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank all participants in the study for their cooperation.

References