本研究藉由深度訪談與文本分析法，深入探討臺灣中高齡專業工作者認知之退休意涵及退休規劃，揭示其對退休生活目標及自身價值之多元思考。結果發現：現今中高齡者傾向將退休界定為工作轉換的連續過程，隨著退休過程的遞進對退休界定標準有所不同，包含「從既有勞動職場退休」、「不再擁有固定工時或收入的工作」與「生涯發展終點」三面向。本研究揭示了臺灣中高齡專業工作者在「退出勞動職場」的推力下，反得以充分地展現自我能動性，擺脫「為他人而戰」的枷鎖，經由極具創意的規劃與運用資源，開啟「為自己而活」之新人生，透過善用資源、創業、兼職工作、志工服務、旅行、或回歸家庭生活等形式，達到個人需求滿足與回饋社會之雙重目標。在退休規劃與生活實踐背後，不服老的堅韌、自我效能感及能動性，讓他們能持續社會參與並維持個人幸福感。

This study uses in-depth interviews and text analysis to explore the construed meanings of retirement among Taiwanese middle-aged and older professionals and their planning for later life. Our analysis showed that the participants viewed retirement as an evolving transition from work to non-work, with the meaning of retirement encompassing “the exit from the labor market,” “not working full-time or for a fixed income,” and “the endpoint of career development.” Our analysis further revealed that retirement opened doors to a more “self-centered” life. This study highlights that, under the pressure of "leaving the labor market," middle-aged and older professionals in Taiwan are able to fully demonstrate their self-agency, breaking free from the constraints of "fighting for others." Through creative planning and resource utilization, they embarked on a new life of “living for themselves,” achieving both personal fulfillment and contributing to society through resource use and entrepreneurship. Underlying the diverse forms of retirement planning and practices, their resilience, self-efficacy, and agency were the most crucial personal qualities enabling individuals to stay actively engaged in society and achieve well-being