Drawing from extensive resources in the area of retirement and gerontology, this information analysis paper, which discusses preparation for retirement and advanced age, has three primary objectives: (1) to assess the psychological effects of retirement on the individual, (2) to assess preretirement conditions and attitudes that affect the individual's adjustment to retirement, and (3) to identify and discuss preretirement learning experiences that further the effective and successful adjustment to retirement. Intended for adult educators, middle-aged persons, and business/industry personnel managers, discussion centers mainly on the content (affective and cognitive) of preretirement education programs with a brief discussion of the educational needs of older adults, and appropriate educational practices. The following topics are covered: Work vs. Retirement, Adjustment to Retirement, Planning Retirement Education, and Needed: A New Approach to Planning. The terms "work" and "retirement" are defined and surveys of attitudes toward work and retirement are discussed, along with studies relating data on preretirement attitudes and preretirement planning and counseling programs. An exploration of the implications of research for planning programs of preretirement education is also provided. The need to alter stereotypes and to form favorable attitudes about aging and the aged is stressed. A partial bibliography of literature of attitudes and aging, and a partial bibliography of literature of preretirement education programs are appended. (TA)