The concept of retirement is rapidly changing. As people are living longer more active lives the traditional concept of retirment which implied the complete abandonment of work no longer seems to apply. We have come up with a new definition to meet todays circumstances:


RETIREMENT: the phase in one's life where the balance shifts from work, career and raising a family towards enjoying leisure and personal interests.

The key word here is balance. People are finding that work plays more than just a monetary role in their lives. It helps them feel more connected to the pulse of everyday society. It gives them a focus for some of their energy, it helps them feel a sense of worth and value to society. What many people now realize that their ideal situation would be a balance work and leisure with the shift moving heavily into the leisure column. For many people working 3 days a week or having a few months off a year would be a perfect balance. Money also plays a factor. The uncertainties of the economy, social security the cost of living all make it difficult to anticipate future economic needs. Saving enough money to be able to live 20, 30 or 40 years off your savings is a daunting task. If you can suppliment your retirement income with additional income from working part time then you can reach the point where you can 'retire' much earlier and live more comfortably during your 'retirement'

In the past once your reach 60 or 65 most businesses forced their employees to retire. Today business are beginning to appreciate the knowledge and contriubtion that older workers can contribute. Jobs require a lot of physical strength or dexterity my continue to be off limits but with todays healthier more vibrant individuals there is no reason that a person cannot make substaintial contributions to almost any business well into their 70's.