<![CDATA[The statutory retirement age in Indonesia remains lower than in other ASEAN countries. While financial adequacy strongly influences continued work in later life, non-economic factors remain underexplored. This study analyzes preferences for the ideal retirement age based on meaning of work and sociodemographic characteristics among retired older adults. Using a sequential mixed-methods design, the study involved 230 respondents and 7 qualitative informants. The mean ideal retirement age was 58–60 years, ranging from 46 to 78 years. Multinomial logistic regression shows that stronger generative meaning of work is associated with preference for retirement at the statutory age, whereas stronger spiritual meaning is associated with preference for earlier retirement. Qualitative findings indicate that earlier retirement is driven by spiritual orientation, work fatigue, and the desire to shift toward other activities. In contrast, extending working life reflects perceived capability and productivity, accumulated human capital, and a desire to contribute through knowledge transfer. Retirement preferences are shaped not only by structural conditions but also by how older adults interpret the meaning and purpose of work.]]>
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