PREPARATION FOR RETIREMENT WELL-BEING OF THAI TEACHERS IN THE GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Purpose: This qualitative study explored 1) whether Thai pre-retired teachers prepare for retirement and 2) what and how they had prepared to achieve well-being after retiring.

Design: An in-depth interview was done with 19 teachers who would retire. The thematic analysis was employed for data analysis.

Findings: Each individual had prepared for retirement in different aspects based on what one perceived the changes and their effects after retirement. Five elements of retirement preparation have emerged, including finance, daily activity, social interaction, work role, and health. Generally, teachers had undertaken an informal preparation by seeking retirement issues from various sources (i.e., TV, Internet, radio, books, and booklets). They also discussed and shared retirement experiences and plan with friends, family, and seniors. A formal preparation such as a retirement seminar or educational class had rarely been arranged. As they got that retirement information, retirement goals and plans were set by one own decision while only some teachers had done a concrete plan. A few teachers had an action plan for being a healthy retiree, such as doing exercise regularly or taking health examinations annually after retiring.

Originality: Effective pre-retirement program to promote retirement well-being is necessary and should be provided for pre-retired teachers. Healthy retirement should be taken into account in the program development.