Retirement Ain't for Old Folks Anymore!

TACOMA, WA--(Marketwire - April 9, 2009) - The word retirement conjures images of rocking chairs, sunsets and shuffleboard -- and the big night out every week is a bus ride to the bingo hall. For most people, these ideas are about as attractive as a long, slow root canal without Novocain.

But Mary Lloyd, author of "Super-Charged Retirement" by Hankfritz Press (www.mining-silver.com), believes that retirement doesn't mean retreating from life, but rather, embracing it.

"The current version of retirement doesn't work because we are living too long to be satisfied with a life that is focused primarily on leisure," said Lloyd. "To make this stage of life meaningful, it needs to be shaped according to the values and preferences of each individual."

At age 47, Lloyd found retirement a financially feasible option. Since she retired in 1993, she has tried everything from a multi-month world cruise to Red Cross relief work after Hurricane Rita. Now, an author, Lloyd offers some tips for her baby boomer brethren:

--  The 100% leisure model of retirement ("the Golden Years") is just a
    marketing spin for "get out of the way."
--  We need some kind of work to thrive once we retire, even if we don't
    do it for pay. Retiring doesn't mean we have to stop making a difference.
--  Living through our sense of purpose is as essential as breathing. Once
    we lose that, we lose the ability to make the choices we need to thrive.
--  Much of what we blame on aging is really the result of mindset and
    lifestyle decisions. It is within our capability to alter those elements of
    our lives, and master our destiny, rather than be a slave to circumstances.
    

"The RV model might work for some, but most of us need a goal to work toward to feel worthwhile," Lloyd said. "To retire well, we need learn how to include that and still relax and have fun."

About Mary Lloyd

After more than 17 years as a management executive in the natural gas industry, Mary Lloyd decided to retire. That was in 1993, and since that time, she has accomplished more than many people do during their entire professional careers. At 62, she has more energy and drive than many people in their 30s and 40s.

Contact Information: Contact: Rachel Friedman rachel@newsandexperts.com