About
Founded on a commitment to research-based approaches, Retirement Life Plan™ provides the frameworks, training, and resources needed to navigate the non-financial side of the retirement transition.
While the world focuses heavily on promoting engagement at work, we ask the vital question: "What happens next?" For many, work is an integral source of identity, social connection, and purpose. When that chapter ends, the adjustment can be more challenging than expected. We have spent years researching the unique social and psychological shifts that occur during this transition to provide targeted, research-backed support.
Our Mission
To equip individuals and professionals with research-backed insights and frameworks that move us beyond surface-level support and focuses on building a lifestyle of genuine fulfillment.
Social and Psychological Aspects of Retirement Wellbeing
We focus specifically on the social and psychological aspects of retirement, including identity adjustments, changes in social networks and relationships, and engagement in daily pursuits. At the same time, we value and appreciate the role of finances, health, and other important aspects of retirement for holistic retirement support.
A Global Community of Certified Retirement Life Coaches
Our global network of Certified Retirement Life Coaches combines diverse professional backgrounds, expertise, and a shared commitment to supporting individuals and organizations in navigating retirement transitions. With coaches in over 12 countries around the world, we are truly seeing the global reach of this growing niche.
Through ongoing education and peer collaboration offered by Retirement Life Plan, Certified Retirement Life Coaches partner with clients to design impactful, tailored solutions. Whether working with individuals or corporate teams, our community is dedicated to fostering fulfilling post-work chapters for all.
Pauline Johnson-Zielonka, PhD
Founder, Retirement Life Plan™
As the founder of Retirement Life Plan™ and a Fellow of the Institute for Social Innovation, Pauline provides training and resources centered on the non-financial side of retirement. With a PhD in Human and Organizational Systems and a background in Industrial Psychology, she integrates insights from Positive Psychology and Social Psychology into the Retirement Life Plan™ approach.
After completing her doctorate, Pauline conducted a comprehensive review of the research surrounding social-psychological challenges in retirement. This work led to a deep understanding of the unique experiences of this transition and the development of programs designed to prepare pre-retirees for a successful next chapter.
In addition to her work in retirement transition, Pauline has over a decade of experience with psychological assessments for leadership development and team-building. She has experience and training with StyleView and CareerView Assessments, Hogan Personality Inventory, Hogan Development Inventory, and Motives, Values, Preferences Inventory, Lominger 360 Assessment, and Strengths Deployment Inventory.
Pauline earned her Bachelor's in Psychology from University of Nevada, Reno. She then spent one year studying and practicing hypnotherapy at the Hypnosis Motivation Institute in Tarzana, California before going on to earn her PhD in Human and Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University.
Since completing her doctorate, Pauline has continued her research and work as a Fellow of the Institute for Social Innovation. Her evidence-based approach ensures that Retirement Life Plan™ resources are grounded in scientific rigor.
Who is it for?
Retirees and pre-retirees
With the prospect of retirement fast-approaching, many people begin to question whether they really want to retire—is it right for you? Will you regret it? And how will you spend your time in meaningful ways?
We connect you with different levels of support based on your needs, whether providing resources and reflective tools, or connecting you with a coach to help you design a retirement that aligns with your values.
Employers
We support employers wishing to support retiring employees, build their employer brand, retain valuable knowledge, and maintain access to a flexible workforce.
Life and Executive Coaches
We support trained and experienced coaches who want to develop more specialized knowledge with this life transition, and join a community of coaches in this specialization. With aging populations around the world, coaches are finding many new and existing clients facing this new chapter.
Financial Planners and Other Professionals
Financial planners and other professionals working with clients in the retirement transition may wish to further support and build their client relationships. Retiring clients are looking for resources that go beyond finances, but they are still not sure where to find the support. You are in a position to differentiate your services and provide more specialized support.
