Life satisfaction and social life adjustment processes of prison officers in retirement

This qualitative study aims to explore how retired correctional officers experience life satisfaction and social adaptation, and to identify individual and institutional factors shaping the transition. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with 19 retirees from various provinces and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings indicate that retirement is a non-linear, context-sensitive transition. Prominent themes include: (i) loss of occupational identity/belonging and the ensuing meaning gap, (ii) loneliness/social isolation due to weakened collegial ties, (iii) economic constraints and sustainable livelihood strategies, (iv) impacts of chronic health conditions on daily functioning, (v) the facilitating role of family/social support, hobbies/activities, and secondary employment, and (vi) limited institutional follow-up and insufficient pre-retirement preparation. Evidence suggests that anticipatory planning, psychosocial support, and peer-based sharing buffer adjustment difficulties, while financial literacy and health management are associated with higher life satisfaction. The study offers actionable recommendations for structured pre-retirement programs, phased transition models, and counselling services tailored to correctional personnel.