ScholarWorks > HHS > OT > OJOT > Vol. 14 > Iss. 2 (2026)
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Boguslawa (Bo) Teresa Syrotiak, PhD, OT; Noralyn Davel Pickens, PhD, OT, FAOTA, FNAP; Cynthia Evetts, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
Abstract
Background: First responders experience challenges during retirement transition because of exposure to stress and trauma on the job and a high level of identification with their work. Our objective was to develop a client-centered retirement transition program for first responders and their families.
Method: Using a participatory research approach, data were collected from two focus groups of health care providers and retired first responders and analyzed using a content analysis approach.
Results: Data yielded themes and subthemes leading to the development of an outline of a retirement transition program: The Retire Well program, an occupation-based program that assists in adaptation to postretirement life. Iterative, participant-driven research provided authenticity to the program, founded on peer support and collaboration between health care practitioners.
Conclusion: First responders can benefit from retirement preparation to adjust to retirement. Occupational therapists can play a vital role in meeting the need for retirement transition assistance for first responders.
Recommended Citation
Syrotiak, B. T., Pickens, N. D., & Evetts, C. (2026). The Development of the Retire Well Program for First Responders. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 14(2), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.2482
Comments
The authors declare that they have no competing financial, professional, or personal interest that might have influenced the performance or presentation of the work described in this manuscript.