Rethinking Retirement

By MARY MORENCY and JEANNETTE LALONDE

"Mary Morency and Jeannette Lalonde are leading the way to a better life in retirement. Rethinking Retirement is an essential resource for new and existing retirees as well as professionals helping others prepare for life after work. The book is chalked full of personal insights and practical exercises that inject fresh ideas and energy into the retirement transition." - Robert Laura, Founder of the Retirement Coaches Association

You are probably going to live a good 20 years in retirement, so now is the time to shift your thoughts and mindset and discover new ways to thrive in this next phase of life.  There is so much more to consider than money when planning your retirement and Rethinking Retirement lays out a variety of areas to rethink and discover.

Having helped over 250 people plan a flourishing retirement, the authors are sharing 20 of their tried-and-true reflection exercises, stories from their own and some of their clients' retirement transitions, along with the latest research from the fields of retirement lifestyle planning and positive psychology.  

There is no one-size-fits-all retirement plan, and as a reader you are in for a treat as these two experienced coaches motivate you to reflect, explore, and discover ways to choose a retirement lifestyle that is right for you.  

You may be planning to retire, hoping to make your dreams a reality and overcome any nagging fears about your next phase of life. Already retired, you may be looking for ways to revitalize your life or reinvent yourself. You possibly want to help someone else navigate this important life transition. Rethinking Retirement is the go-to reference for all of you!

This book will challenge you to question your thoughts and beliefs and pique your curiosity about what it means to retire in today's world.  

Through a structured, straight-forward approach, discover the power of focusing on four key areas - Contribution, Well-Being, Connection, and Purpose – and embark on a journey that will stimulate you to shift your thinking about retirement. Why not treat yourself to an adventure of uncovering what could make retirement your best life stage yet!

Rethinking Retirement - A Guide for Making Choices will help you discover new ways to think and act for a flourishing retirement!  

"This book is a treasure trove of inspiration and information that empowers us to reimagine our own unique, purposeful path for the rest of our lives." -Richard Leider, Bestselling author of The Power of Purpose, Repacking Your Bags, and Life Reimagined

PLEASE NOTE:

• Language: English
• Publisher: Live Life Happy Publishing
• Release date: Dec 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781990461002

Book preview

PRAISE FOR RETHINKING RETIREMENT

Rethinking Retirement encourages people nearing and in retirement to reframe their thinking about retirement and choose how they want to thrive throughout this increasingly long chapter in life. Authors Mary Morency and Jeannette Lalonde share stories from the transitions of their retirement coaching clients, back their approach up with research, and offer some practical reflection tools to help people explore options and make choices for a flourishing retirement. This is a practical guide for baby boomers trying to figure out how to embrace new opportunities, peak experiences, and meaning in their retirement lives.

- Ken Dychtwald, PhD, author of

What Retirees Want: A Holistic View of Life’s Third Age

and Radical Curiosity: One Man's Search for Cosmic Magic and a Purposeful Life

A gem of a book that encourages readers to shift their thinking about retirement and then plan how they are going to live and act differently. Focused on four key areas – contribution, well-being, connection, and purpose – authors Mary Morency and Jeannette Lalonde offer a pragmatic approach to help the Modern Elder live a flourishing retirement. Based on their own experience, the stories of their clients transitioning into retirement, and the work of other authors and researchers, Rethinking Retirement will resonate with people nearing or already in this exciting phase of life.

- Chip Conley, author of Wisdom @ Work The Making of a Modern Elder,

Peak, and Emotional Equations

This book is a treasure trove of inspiration and information that empowers us to reimagine our own unique, purposeful path for the rest of our lives.

- Richard Leider, Bestselling author of The Power of Purpose,

Repacking Your Bags, and Life Reimagined

As change agents of the world® trained by the Flourishing Center, Mary and Jeannette help people develop resilience and vitality in their retirement years. Their work with individuals and organizations is changing how the world views aging and retirement. Rethinking Retirement demonstrates that you can choose to be happy and thrive in this chapter of life.

- Emiliya Zhivotovskaya, CEO & Founder, The Flourishing Center

Rethinking Retirement takes readers on an exciting journey of reflecting on how they want to live their retirement years. Given that strong relationships are paramount to aging well, we were delighted the authors featured social connections as one of their key areas of focus for a thriving retirement. Mary Morency and Jeannette Lalonde have created an accessible and practical guide for anyone looking to plan and live a fulfilling and happy retirement.

- Suzann Pileggi Pawelski, MAPP, and James O. Pawelski, PhD Co-Authors,

HAPPY TOGETHER: Using the Science of Positive Psychology

to Build Love That Lasts

In Rethinking Retirement, Mary Morency and Jeannette Lalonde offer their readers an opportunity to work on their plans for retirement from a broad perspective. With the assumption that most people will want to use this bonus time of life to reflect on accomplishments, stay healthy, find new ways to stay connected, and give back to their communities, the authors lay out not only an inspirational book, but thought-provoking questions and worksheets that give the reader the tools to create a realistic plan. For those willing to think beyond the money, this is a terrific addition to the lexicon on preparing for the next phase of life.

- Sara Zeff Geber, author of Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers:

A retirement and aging roadmap for single and childless adults

This book outlines ways to thrive and ultimately be happy in retirement. Drawing upon the field of positive psychology, the authors provide insights and ask plenty of thought-provoking questions to guide readers in the discovery of a retirement lifestyle of their own choosing. It’s all about Rethinking Retirement!

- Ingrid Kelada, CEO KCC Positive Business Psychology,

Author of 21 Days to Happiness

Mary and Jeannette are leading the way to a better life in retirement. Rethinking Retirement is an essential resource for new and existing retirees as well as professionals helping others prepare for life after work. The book is chalked full of personal insights and practical exercises that inject fresh ideas and energy into the retirement transition.

- Robert Laura, Founder of the Retirement Coaches Association

When our employees announce their retirement, we are pleased to offer them a gift that will enrich their lives and make the next phase a fulfilling one – retirement coaching with either Jeannette Lalonde or Mary Morency. Having received many comments from our retirees about the advantages of planning their transition with the support of a retirement coach and witnessed the positive impact that the coaching has had on the workplace climate before they leave, I wholeheartedly welcome their book, Rethinking Retirement as an extra value-added guide. Employees and companies will surely benefit from its broadened perspective about this important life transition.

- Lucie-Marie Gauthier, Vice-President, Global Talent, Fednav Limited

This book is a must-read for anyone who is in the process of making retirement plans. Rethinking Retirement will open your mind to choosing options that give your life meaning and joy. In this invaluable guide for planning retirement, Mary Morency and Jeannette Lalonde draw on the field of positive psychology to outline a structured approach for living with intention. The authors challenge you to reframe your thoughts about retirement to help you choose a lifestyle that will produce positive experiences and feelings you will want to savor for many years to come.

- Fred B. Bryant, PhD, Professor of Psychology Loyola University Chicago,

2005 Faculty Member of the Year,

co-author of Savoring: A New Model of Positive Experience

This book will surely make its way to personal and corporate bookshelves as individuals and companies alike benefit when the most experienced employees plan how they want to remain engaged as they transition into their next phase of life. Rethinking Retirement provides valuable insights for discovering new opportunities, meaningful activities, and purpose both before and during retirement.

- Dr. Gillian Leithman, Founder, Rewire to Retire

As society begins to embrace the need to redefine retirement, authors Mary Morency and Jeannette Lalonde are making an important contribution to the field of lifestyle retirement planning. Rethinking Retirement inspires readers to question their beliefs and start thinking and acting differently in life’s third age. This book will resonate with pre-retirees and retirees alike.

- Dr. Richard P. Johnson, PhD, PCSG,

Founder and Director, JOHNSON Institute and Senior Adult Ministry,

Author of The New Retirement, The Power of Smiling, and numerous other books.

Rethinking Retirement delivers on its promise to provide a structured way to think differently about retirement. By presenting four key areas around which to rethink, plan and choose, Mary Morency and Jeannette Lalonde make the case for living this chapter of life with intention. Whether you are planning to retire soon or are already retired, this book will help you rethink how you want to connect with others, remain engaged through new ways of contributing, focus on your well-being, and find new purpose and meaning. You will come away with the conviction that you can choose the retirement lifestyle that is right for you.

- Dr. Dorian Mintzer, Certified Retirement Coach/Executive Coach, Speaker and Writer.

Co-author of The Couple’s Retirement Puzzle:

10 Must Have Conversations for Creating an Amazing New Life Together.

A timely subject that needs more attention as there are so many options now to consider when transitioning to this important stage of life. Mary Morency and Jeannette Lalonde present a compelling reason for organisations and individuals alike to rethink the future contribution and wisdom sharing of senior workers at the end of their career and beyond. With additional insights on building resilience, discovering purpose in life, exploring and creating a new social network, Rethinking Retirement is an essential go-to resource for people wanting to think about and plan all aspects of their transition into retirement and for professionals and organisations supporting them.

- Anne Mezei, Chief People Executive Advisor

When Mary Morency and Jeannette Lalonde decide to share their experience and wisdom, you know you’re going to learn something new and valuable. As retirement coaches and applied positive psychology practitioners, they know how to present retirement planning and resilience in an engaging and structured manner. Readers of Rethinking Retirement are in for a treat and will surely come away feeling motivated and excited about this phase of their lives!

- Brenda Jasmin, Speaker, Positivity Educator, and Life Coach

RETHINKING RETIREMENT

A Guide for Making Choices

Mary Morency

Jeannette Lalonde

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Copyright © 2021 Mary Morency and Jeannette Lalonde

All rights reserved.

Published and Distributed in Canada by LLH Publishing Inc. www.andreaseydel.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic, or electronic process, or in the form of a phonograph recording: Nor may it be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or otherwise be copied for public or private use- other than for fair use as brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews without prior written permission of the publisher. If you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Library and Archives Canada Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Morency, Mary and Lalonde, Jeannette

Rethinking Retirement

\ Mary Morency and Jeannette Lalonde

1. Nonfiction > Family & Relationships > Life Stages > Later Years

2. Nonfiction > Self-Help > Personal Growth> Happiness

ISBN 978-1-9991409-9-1 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-990461-00-2 (E-Book)

LLH Publishing House

1st Printing: November 2021. Printed in CANADA

Editor/Proof-reader: Lindy Bailey

Also available in French: Repenser la retraite - Un guide pour faire des choix

Publisher’s Note & Author DISCLAIMER

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information concerning the subject matter covered. It is sold to understand that the publisher and author are not engaging in or rendering any psychological, medical or other professional services. If expert assistance or counselling is needed, seek the services of a competent medical professional. For immediate support, call your local crisis line. Be Well.

Dedication

To my parents who instilled in me a love of learning and the curiosity and confidence to challenge my thoughts and beliefs.

Mary Morency

––––––––

To my family and friends who have inspired and taught me to appreciate and savour special moments in life - a gift of positivity to live a

flourishing retirement.

Jeannette Lalonde

––––––––

To our fellow baby boomers with whom we have played, learned, worked, and now grow older and wiser together. May we never tire of opening our hearts and minds to new possibilities and rethinking retirement

every step of the way!

Mary Morency and Jeannette Lalonde

Contents

Introduction..............................................1

Part One: Contribution...................................8

Chapter 1: Work Redefined..............................11

Chapter 2: Your Contribution Motivators...................17

Chapter 3: Sharing and Nurturing Your Wisdom..........23

Chapter 4: Giving Back with Intention....................29

Part Two: Well-Being.....................................36

Chapter 5: Lots of Changes..............................39

Chapter 6: The Pillars of Resilience.......................45

Part Three: Connection..................................56

Chapter 7: Wired to Connect.............................59

Chapter 8: Your Social Network...........................63

Chapter 9: The Power of Leisure..........................73

Chapter 10: Loneliness and Social Isolation..............79

Part Four: Purpose.......................................86

Chapter 11: The Power of Purpose.......................89

Chapter 12: A Gift of Positivity............................95

Conclusion..............................................104

Part Five: Reflection Exercises..........................108

Appendix................................................231

INTRODUCTION

"It isn't the changes that do you in, it's the transitions. Change is not the same as transition. Change is situational. . . . Transition is the psychological process people go through to come to terms with the new situation. Change is external, transition is internal.’’

- William Bridges

Ah, retirement – the long-awaited milestone! With the largest cohort of people in history entering this phase of life, the baby boomers, retirement has become a hot topic. Books and articles abound on how to know when you have enough money to retire and how to spend your money once you’re there – as if retirement were a destination. Another frequent theme we hear is retire the word retirement – call it something else – to reflect the new realities of people in this phase of life. As retirees ourselves, we prefer to simply reframe how we think about and live retirement. There is another way to retire, and our mission is to accompany you on your journey of Rethinking Retirement!

There are a lot of boomers retiring – 1,000 Canadians and 10,000 Americans turning 65 each day until around the year 2030 – and they are living longer. This translates into a significant number of retirees who stand to live another 20-30 years in their longest life stage ever! And we know that many appreciate help reflecting on how they want to live their lives in retirement.

THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU

If you are planning to retire in the next few years, this book offers another perspective on some familiar subjects to help you plan your transition and choose the retirement lifestyle that is right for you. You might read through the chapters and complete the reflection exercises at the end of this book on your own; or you may decide that you would like the support of a retirement coach to explore options and keep you on track.

If you are already retired and are feeling lost and discouraged, want to reinvent yourself or simply inject new energy into your retirement, this book can be a particularly good source of ideas. It is never too late to realign your thinking about retirement life and choose new options! You might want to do the exercises on your own, hire a retirement coach to help you, or join a group of like-minded retirees supported by a coach.

If you work in a helping profession and want to support people in planning their retirement lives (Human Resource professionals, coaches, or consultants) this book may supplement the tools you already use to help people reflect and explore future options.

If you are a financial planner who helps people prepare a financial retirement plan, this book complements your services and may add value for your clients. It can help you better understand your clients’ challenges and opportunities at this stage of life.

This book is ultimately for you – pre-retirees and retirees – to help you think differently about retirement, turn your curiosity up a notch about the possibilities open to you, and nudge you to muster the courage to go deeper and discover your new me. We invite our financial planner and helping profession friends to join us on this journey of Rethinking Retirement.

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

It has been nearly a decade since we retired from our day jobs. What a transition! What a journey! We are two former Organizational and Leadership Development professionals who wanted to continue nourishing our passion for supporting individuals to learn, grow, and change. As life-long learners, we have continued our professional development