Retirement: A Period of Reflection and Continued Engagement

Introduction

At the age of 79 and having entered retirement, I observe that much of the available personal literature on this subject offers only limited engagement, with an extensive emphasis placed on financial aspects. The commercial sector tends to focus heavily on products and services related to retirement—ranging from financial planning to health supplements and specialized housing options. Existing narratives frequently convey highly individualized experiences, which may not be universally applicable or relatable. Recognizing that my own perspective carries similar limitations, I believe it nonetheless valuable to share these insights.

Rethinking Retirement

The term "retirement" itself is one I approach with some reservation, as it commonly implies a withdrawal from professional life and an inclination toward leisure activities. For many, retirement suggests a reduction in activity and an increased focus on pursuits that may not always support optimal well-being. In essence, retirement signifies a distinct transition in both lifestyle and daily routine. Typical depictions include repeated leisure activities such as golfing, television viewing, unrestricted dining, travel, relaxation, pursuit of hobbies, or relocation to retirement communities. My intent is not to critique individual choices or propose alternative ideals, but rather to reconceptualize the meaning of retirement, placing emphasis on its relevance for those who transition into senior citizenship at retirement, as opposed to individuals who exit the workforce earlier in life.

The Quartiles of Life

Life, in my view, can be segmented into four quarters, analogous to the phases of a sine wave. The initial quarter—from birth to age 25—is characterized by rapid growth and resilience. The second quarter, spanning ages 25 to 50, presents stability, maturity, and peak productivity. The third quarter, between 50 and 75, marks a gradual decline from previous levels, as physical and cognitive faculties begin to diminish. The final quarter represents the ultimate stage, culminating in the end of life. Statistical data indicates that by age 75, most individuals have a reasonable expectation of reaching 85, though far fewer attain a centenarian milestone. While mortality is inevitable, the specific circumstances surrounding death vary considerably—ranging from unexpected events to chronic health conditions and progressive decline.

Confronting Decline

It is unrealistic to assert complete control over the factors influencing mortality. The essential challenge lies in determining whether efforts to slow the aging process are justified in order to maximize quality of life in retirement. From my perspective, such endeavors are warranted. Subsequent consideration must be given to selecting strategies that most effectively mitigate age-related deterioration, bearing in mind the finite nature of time.

A Personal Strategy

My own strategy is straightforward and tailored to individual preferences. At present, I am gratified to report that my functional capacity remains comparable to that of previous decades. I am unwilling to acquiesce to the anticipated declines typically associated with aging; thus, I endeavor to continue engaging in activities such as walking, swimming, dancing, weightlifting, reading, writing, social interaction, and travel—with the possible exception of skiing, which has become increasingly challenging.

Maintaining an active lifestyle requires dedication yet does not monopolize all available time. My daily routines also encompass medical appointments, grocery shopping at retailers like Sam’s Club and Costco, scheduled periods of rest, consumption of a primary meal, and the planning of future travel—nine trips are already arranged for 2026 to destinations including Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Norway. Although time constraints persist, my central priority is the sustained preservation of health and well-being.

Summary

This essay examines the realities of aging and retirement, challenging common ideas of leisure and decline. Instead, it emphasizes strategies for maintaining health, vitality, and a sense of purpose into advanced age. Drawing from my personal experience and the insights of Dr. Peter Attia, I advocate for resisting the physical and mental decline that so often accompanies later life, and for adopting an engaged, proactive approach to living well beyond 75.

Perspectives on Longevity

This discussion is not about those with terminal illnesses or untreatable conditions. Rather, it addresses the experience of everyday people who are fortunate enough to have lived for about three-quarters of a century. In a recent podcast, Dr. Peter Attia, author of Outlive, described the period beyond age 75 as facing a universal physical decline. He suggests strategies for optimizing both lifespan and healthspan by delaying or even preventing the inevitable deterioration that comes with aging. This approach closely matches the mindset I have adopted as I approach my 80th year.

Postscript This essay represents an initial draft that was doctored by an AI edit.  While it polishes my writing and helps smooth out the edges, it also replaces much of my quirky style and hyperbole. I decided to publish this essay as an experiment.  In the future, i will note in the text if AI has injected any influence on the final product.  The fact is that, at least in this article, it took away some of the points of emphasis and I don't feel it conveys all of what i was trying to explore and emphasise.  Nevertheless, I wanted to experience what I believe is the common practice of using AI to embellish and polish original essays into something that feels wrong and cheating!