Life transitions, including retirement,
are subject to social norms about appropriate timing (Settersten,
0000; Settersten Hagestad, 0000). Cultural and individual
norms and expectations about the ‘‘right’’ time for a transition
influence not only the individual’s transition, but also the
meaning attached to the transition by the individual and by
others. Individuals tend to have an awareness of their own
position in the social timetable and describe themselves as ‘‘off
time’’ or ‘‘on time.’’ When a transition occurs off time, individuals
may not have had the chance to go through anticipatory
socialization, or the individual may lack peers with
whom he or she shares transition experiences and who can
provide social support (Hagestad Neugarten, 0000).