Your Doctor Called: It's Not Time to Retire

By David Lemon

When we're young, the idea of retirement seems farther away than we imagine. We get caught up in our daily work and family lives, but the years pass, and before we know it, it's time to seriously consider retirement. Or so they tell us. Still, some people want to continue working, are able to maintain the physical and intellectual skills necessary for their occupation, and really enjoy what they do.

I am one of these people. I need to work and do not want to stop simply because I've reached a certain age. For most of my life, I've cared for thousands of patients as a practicing cardiologist. For Your Doctor Called: It's Not Time to Retire, I interviewed a few of my patients about their views on retirement and whether they were happy with the decisions they had made. This book is a short exposé on the history and current state of retirement in the United States, featuring practical advice from those who have and have not retired.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookPress Publishing
• Release date: Sep 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9781947305625

Book preview

Prologue

Hello, Mr. (or Ms.) ‘Smith.’ I’m glad to meet you. I’m Dr. Lemon. How may I help you?

Over the past fifty years, I’ve had the privilege of asking that question again and again. I am a physician practicing cardiology in central Iowa. It has been a very meaningful and eventful journey to care for others who put their trust in me to make the most appropriate decisions about their hearts and their health. As the years have gone by, I now realize that I am nearing the end of that journey.

Generally, as Americans, we are privileged to be able to make retirement decisions. As I write this book, reflecting on my own thoughts and ideas about slowing down and retirement, my purpose is to share the wisdom I’ve gained through my patients’ views of their retirement journeys.

People who have worked their entire lives view retirement from many perspectives. Some anxiously cannot wait to retire, while others fear not having to set the alarm or not having to check in at a certain time. The idea brings a host of emotional, financial, and lifestyle concerns. Some greatly anticipate finally having time to do things they have always wanted to do—play more golf, travel with a spouse, and spend more time with grandkids. Some are anxious about the end of a career, fear they’ll outlive their finances, or simply don’t know what to do next. No matter the path people choose, critical decisions bring a great deal of stress. Considerations include financial issues as well as possible changes in relationships, housing, healthcare needs, and just what to do with all that newly found time.

My mindset over the years has been to do the work, stay educated and up-to-date in my field, and to do the right thing for my patients. The idea and uncertainty of retirement are intimidating to me, but I am not alone. Perhaps the insight my patients have given me can help us all work our way to good decisions for ourselves, our families, our colleagues, and all those in our lives.

I would like to acknowledge and thank the many patients I interviewed who openly shared their best wit, wisdom, and insights on retirement. Their candid and honest responses are greatly appreciated. Of course, their names are changed to protect their privacy.

I would also like to thank my wife, Suzanne, for her assistance in writing and editing.

A Brief History of the

Concept of Retirement

Before the modern age, the idea of retirement was irrelevant. People worked until they died or until they could no longer work due to old age or infirmity. Many years ago, when the average life expectancy was age 40, a person’s daily existence consisted