About the project
Retirement is a major life change that marks the beginning of a new chapter. People often have shared ideas about what retirement is supposed to be like, and at the same time, each person's experience is unique. This research project examines how people think about retirement and how they describe this period of life in their own words. Your participation will help scientists better understand how retirement is viewed within the community and how people describe this important period of life over time.
We are inviting adults aged 60 and over to take part in our research. You may be eligible for one of two studies, depending on how close you are to retirement.
For people who are about 4 years before or after retirement
One-session study: Participants complete a survey about their views and experiences related to retirement.
For people who are about 1.5 years before retirement
Long-term study: Participants take part in a 3-year study beginning before they retire. Every 3 months, they are invited to share short reflections about their views and experiences during this life period. At a few time points, they will also complete additional questionnaires.
Summary
What to expect if you decide to participate:
One-session study
Step 1: A short eligibility form asking about your age and retirement timeline.
Step 2: If eligible, a brief phone-call in which we will complete short tasks of memory and thinking ability.
Step 3: If you qualify, you will be sent a link to the questionnaire that includes questions about demographics (e.g, age, gender, ethnicity, education) and your thoughts and/or experiences about retirement period.
Long-term study
Step 1: A short eligibility form asking about your age and retirement timeline.
Step 2: If eligible, a brief phone-call in which we will complete short tasks of memory and thinking ability.
Step 3: If you qualify, we will schedule a video meeting. During this meeting:
We review the study together.
You can ask questions.
You will complete your first questionnaires and tasks while we are available for support.
This meeting helps us get to know each other and make sure you feel comfortable before continuing the study.
Step 4: You will be invited to complete online tasks every 3 months for the next 3 years. In each session, you will be asked to write a brief paragraph about the retirement period. Occasionally, you will be asked to complete additional questionnaires on your demographics (e.g., age, gender, retirement status) and well being.
Study Requirements
You are at least 60 years old at the time of the enrolment (there is no upper age limit).
You are working OR you are retired from the workforce at the time of the enrolment.
You are willing to participate in a phone interview and in an online study.
You have access to and feel comfortable using a computer with an Internet connection.
Study Location
All study activities will be conducted online or over the phone.
Compensation
One-session study: You will either be entered for a prize raffle to win an iPad.
Long-term study: You will receive a gift card for each session you participate in.
Privacy
This research project has been approved by the Research Ethics Board at Toronto Metropolitan University. All personal information collected in this research project will be kept confidential. Your personal information will not be shared with anyone outside the research team.
Questions about the study
If you have questions about the research, you may contact:
Dr. Oyku Ekinci
416 785 25 00 (ext. 3438)
If you have questions regarding your rights as a participant in this study, you may contact the Toronto Metropolitan University Research Ethics Board at rebchair@torontomu.ca or 416-979-5042.
