Sociology

12-18

average number of job changes for US adults over a working lifetime

3-7

average number of complete career pivots

Pre-retirement

period of anticipatory socialization as the individual mentally and logistically prepares for retirement

Near Phase

the person establishes a specific formal departure date from their job

Honeymoon Phase

a often-euphoric period where retirees pursue hobbies, travel, and activities they previously didn’t have time for

Disenchanted Phase

Retirees feel a sense of letdown, boredom, or depression while coping with reality, health issues, or financial limitations

Reorientation Phase

Retirees adjust their expectations and develop a more realistic, practical view of retirement alternatives

Stability phase

The person learns to manager post-retirment life in a comfortable, routine, and reasonable fashion.

Termination Phase

Begins with illness or decline prevents day to day self-care and housework

Disengagement theory

suggests that aging naturally involves a mutual withdrawal between the elderly person and society to prepare for end of life.

Activity theory

Elderly individuals thrive on social networking and community engagement

Early adulthood

17-39

Middle adulthood

40-59

Late Adulthood

60+