The gender of retirement in a double-ageing country: A sociological exploration of post-retirement experiences among men and women in Haryana

The phenomenon of retirement holds different meanings and consequences for men and women, especially in countries undergoing demographic shifts marked by a double-ageing process where both the percentage of elderly and the ageing of the elderly are increasing. This sociological study examines the post-retirement experiences of men and women in the Indian state of Haryana. It critically explores how gender roles, social expectations, health, financial stability, and emotional well-being intersect to shape the retirement narrative differently for men and women. Through a mixed-methods approach involving surveys and in-depth interviews of 200 retirees (100 men and 100 women), the study investigates various dimensions of retirement, including economic dependency, health outcomes, social participation, and psychological adjustment. A chi-square test is applied to analyze gender-based differences in post-retirement satisfaction and economic security, while a t-test compares mean stress levels between men and women. The findings reveal significant gender disparities: men generally associate retirement with status loss and reduced purpose, while women particularly homemakers often report retirement as a continuation of unpaid labor. Women face greater financial insecurity due to fewer years in the workforce, lower pensions, and dependency on family members. Social support networks and community engagement emerged as critical coping mechanisms for both genders but were more frequently accessed by women. The paper concludes by recommending gender-sensitive policy interventions, including pension reforms, community-based support programs, and mental health services tailored for the elderly. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on ageing, gender, and retirement in developing nations.