Letting retirement just happen is exactly what many people do, to the detriment of themselves and their loved ones. Let me share a personal story that illustrates the dangers of retiring without a well-thought-out plan. My father, Jack, was more than merely successful in his work. He loved his job! His friends were there. His…

In your quest for a successful retirement, beware of retirement’s outmoded image, which can generate challenges of its own. Retirement used to mean starting a chapter in life in which retirees become non-productive, non-contributing members of society, heading into their final sunset. Many retirees still have this pessimistic view and end up mentally “hanging up…

Sitting at your desk or standing by your machine, you picture waking up in the morning when you’re ready instead of when you have to; you lounge around the house with a cup of coffee and your favourite book; you call up friends for tennis or a round of golf, or maybe to play cards…

Global populations are aging – according to the UN, by 2030, the number of people aged 60 years or over is projected to grow by 56%, and by 2050 is expected to double again, to a total of 2.1 billion seniors worldwide. Where and how will our seniors live in the future? Is it possible…

Loneliness and social isolation are common among the elderly often leading to declining health and poor quality of life. The recent US Census found that 11 million or 28% of people aged 65 and older live alone. Statistics Canada reports 20% of Canadian seniors do not participate in weekly or even monthly activities. Social contacts…

A. Identify reasons why you feel lonely. Consider the following questions to help you determine why you feel lonely. When do I feel lonely? Do certain people make me feel more lonely than others? How long have I been feeling this way? B. Keep a journal to track thoughts and feelings. Journaling is a great…

Successful retirees give considerable thought to how they want to be remembered. They suggest imagining being ninety or ninety-five years old. In old age, when you look back on your life, what will stand out as your best accomplishments? When others think of you, what will their memories be ?This is not an exercise in…

When most people think about retirement, they imagine leaving a job they dislike, dropping out of the rat race and turning their back on the pressures of employment. They often see retirement as a welcome change or an escape to something more peaceful and serene. However, a successful retirement doesn’t just happen, it takes forethought…