Philippine E-Journals

Urban Male Retireables: Attitudes, Expectations, and Support Systems

Esther Joos-esteban

Discipline: Society, Sexuality Studies

 

Abstract:

This descriptive research study seeks to gain insights into urban male retireables, their overall attitudes towards retirement and difficulties in life; their expectations of retirement which include planned activities, financial circumstances, family dependency, fears, and anticipated problems; and their support systems after retirement.

 

One hundred Metro Manila-based retireables between the ages of 55-60 who work in either a Philippine utility firm or multinational food corporation participated by responding to a 64-item questionnaire. Commentaries by a retirement planning expert, retirees, and retireables are incorporated into the discussion.

 

Findings indicate that the respondents view retirement optimistically, as a dynamic process for which they must plan and prepare. The retireables, who continue to support children, grandchildren, and other relatives, see the urgent need to invest their retirement fund, essentially by starting their own business. Subtle trends suggest that the Filipino family system, while still functional, will not be as emotionally supportive as in the past. Poor health and financial instability count as the respondents' greatest fears and expected problems. Despite these, the respondents are basically optimistic and positive about their lot in life, past and future. They view experiences of suffering and tragedy as meaningful and as sources of strength and wisdom, and expect late adulthood to be a positive period of satisfaction, gratitude, hope, and wisdom.