The Impact of Self-Determination and Attitudes toward Aging on Retirement Planning among Older Adults: A Moderated Mediation Model of Socioeconomic Factors
Chin-Chu Lu, Ruey-Der Twu, Kuo-Chung Huang

Abstract
As global societies age, retirement planning becomes a critical issue for older adults. This study investigates the interplay between self-determination, attitudes toward aging, and retirement planning. We test a moderated mediation model where attitudes toward aging mediate the relationship between self-determination and retirement planning, with this indirect effect being conditional on socioeconomic factors. A survey of 381 adults aged 55 and over was analyzed using SPSS and the PROCESS macro. Results confirm that attitudes toward aging mediate the impact of self-determination on retirement planning. This mediation is moderated by socioeconomic status; higher monthly income enhances the positive effect of self-determination on aging attitudes, suggesting financial resources foster a more autonomous approach to aging. Conversely, occupation type negatively moderates retirement planning, implying that factors like high workload or adverse pension systems can impede preparation. These findings underscore the need for policies that account for individual and socioeconomic diversity to improve older adults' retirement well-being.

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