A national survey of college and university retirees in Spring 1990 sought to help institutions to assess benefit programs and provide services for retirees. The survey involved a nationwide cross section of 130 institutions of higher education from which responses were received from 19,126 retirees (40 percent retired faculty). Questions covered a broad range of retirement issues. Results showed that 90 percent of respondents were satisfied with retirement; that 76 percent retired by choice and 16 percent not by choice; that nearly half retired before age 65; that faculty retirement age patterns are changing with more faculty staying to age 70 or later; that 37 percent had prepared thoroughly for retirement; that most felt their institutions had not helped them plan for retirement; that most listed Social Security and their final employer's retirement plan as their sources of retirement income; that median household income was $30,000; that there was a close relation between financial status and level of general satisfaction in retirement; that 40 percent had worked for pay since retiring; that 31 percent had moved since retiring; that 45 percent reported excellent health; and that 54 percent said they were now generally "very happy" with life. The report offers seven suggestions for institutions on how to improve their services to staff moving into retirement. (JB)