Which term best describes both spouses ending paid work at the same time?

• A. Detachment.
• B. Asynchronous retirement.
• C. Synchronized retirement.
• D. Disengagement.

Answer: (C)

Both spouses ending paid work at the same time is described as synchronized retirement. This term captures a coordinated, joint transition from work life to retirement, where the timing of leaving paid employment happens together rather than separately. It often stems from shared finances, planned retirement ages, or a mutual decision to simplify life and retire as a unit. The idea emphasizes how the retirement shift affects daily routines, social activities, and the sense of identity within the partnership when both partners retire at once.

Detachment refers to distancing from work or social roles, not the timing of retirement. Disengagement is more about withdrawal from social roles or aging-related changes rather than coordinating retirement timing. Asynchronous retirement describes one partner retiring earlier or later than the other, which is the opposite of synchronized retirement.