A Generic Qualitative Inquiry Study of Psychosocial Readiness for the Transition to Retirement

Becoming a {Previously Important} Person: Rediscovering Purpose Beyond Retirement
Dr. Lorraine Wiseman’s PhD research explores a critical blind spot in retirement planning—the psychosocial readiness of today’s retiring generation. Her studies reveal that while financial planning is robust, many retirees face deep emotional voids, identity crises, and feelings of purposelessness once work ends.

She’s translated those findings into her forthcoming book, Becoming a {Previously Important} Person, designed to guide retirees toward fulfillment beyond leisure. Wiseman provocatively reframes retirement: “It’s not just about filling time; it’s about facing a true identity shift.” Rather than fade into “golden years,” she invites readers to step into meaningful next chapters—ones where skills, wisdom, and experience find new purpose in unexpected places.

Read her full dissertation here:

https://www.proquest.com/docview/3169023867