Research Trends on the Quality of Life of Retired Nurses : A Literature Review Analysis

Purpose: This study aimed to review research trends related to the quality of life of retired nurses in Korea and to identify key themes and characteristics of the existing literature. Methods: A scoping review was conducted. Five domestic studies published between 2016 and 2025 were identified from RISS, KISS, and the National Assembly Library using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms including Nurses, Retirement, Quality of Life, Personal Satisfaction, Happiness, Adaptation, Psychological, Acculturation, and Life Change Events. The studies were included after screening and eligibility assessment and were analyzed according to publication year, research design, study participants, major variables, and main findings. Results: Of the included studies, two were qualitative studies, two were quantitative studies, and one was an instrument development study. Study participants included retired nurses or nurses approaching retirement. Major research themes included retirement experience, retirement preparation, retirement anxiety and stress, quality of life, and psychological adaptation. Qualitative studies explored retirement adaptation processes and early retirement experiences, whereas quantitative studies reported associations among retirement preparation, expectations, anxiety, and stress. One study developed and validated a quality of life scale specifically for retired nurses. Conclusion: Research on the quality of life of retired nurses remains limited. Future studies should employ longitudinal designs and develop and test interventions targeting retirement preparation and psychosocial adaptation to improve the quality of life of retired nurses.