Book tackles life after retirement

WHILE many count down to finishing their working careers with feelings of uncertainty, local authors, Andrew Blaine and Barry Smith, have you covered with their book, The Next Step – the Road Through Retirement.

The duo started writing the book about one-and-a-half years ago, each writing a chapter, then e-mailing it through to be read and then meet up and critique their work at the weekends. “I have been retired since 2005, working at Standard Bank in various positions for 45 years. The financial planning was done, but I honestly really didn’t know what to do with myself when I was retired,” said Barry. “It really wasn’t too sure what life was going to be like after retirement. It is a new life really. When you get up in the morning you choose what you want to do and are in total control of your life.”

What spurred the duo into writing the 220 page book was their firm belief that retirement was meant to be the best years of one’s life. Although they individually deal with a host of different practical, enjoyable and even sometimes unpleasant aspects of retirement, they are united in their belief that the road towards retirement should be completed well in advance in order to get the best possible start. The book, which leaves the money issues to more qualified financial planners, begins with the premise that retirement is simply another phase of life that offers its own unique, exciting opportunities. It is based on research tempered by their own experiences.

“The prospective retiree, even those who are able to afford anything they choose, will always need to be equipped to fill their spare time positively and constructively. There are too many retired persons who waste time finding things that do not really inspire or satisfy. This leads to a feeling of inadequacy and the onset of self-criticism, depression and withdrawal,” added Blaine.

The book is split into two parts, consisting of preparation and compiling an action plan while covering aspects such as retrenchment and finding your path, having fun, downsizing and downshifting and discounts and benefits.

The book is available at Pick n Pay, Village Market, and at the Pick n Pay at Westville Junction, Edu Kids in Kloof and Hillcrest and Book Boutique in Amanzimtoti for R190 per copy. It can also be purchased at Amazon on ebook and soft cover.