The Joy of Retirement: Finding Happiness, Freedom, and the Life You've Always Wanted

by David C. Borchard, Patricia A. Donohoe

This book shows elderly workers how to reinvent themselves and achieve the kind of fulfillment and meaning in their lives they have always dreamed of. Life after work no longer conjures up images of couples wandering the malls, playing golf, and taking endless Caribbean cruises. As baby boomers reach their 50s and 60s, they are redefining what it means to retire. Many of them are still choosing to work or create a whole new life entirely. What they crave is vitality, joy, and meaning in their lives. In The Joy of Retirement , readers can start crafting their future and discovering their passions with advice on topics such Revealing and hopeful, The Joy of Retirement will reshape how people look at the next phase of their lives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[Illiterate · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s good to think about retirement. But this book is full of facile self-assessments and vacuous positivity.

[Steve Rice · Rating 3 out of 5]

My continuing quest to live the third chapter with intentionally. Book has lots of examples and assessments. Typical example is a hard charging corporate executive who pivots to find satisfaction starting a charitable art community. Okay, I get it. Not totally relatable but a lot of food for thought.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not like the word “retirement.” It conjures up sad images of an old man watching television all day or sitting on the porch watching other people live while he waits to die.

Though Borchard’s book, The Joy of Retirement, can seem at times to be written by an armchair psychologist, it does remind us that retirement need not be an end but an opportunity to begin again but on one’s own terms. It is also a warning that retirement planning must not only be about finances but also about the emotional aspects.

Overall, it is a book worth reading as one approaches, or enters, this life chapter.

[Roger Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book, wish I could add more stars. Unlike other books of this type it takes a finer stroke for a more individualized touch. Although this takes some time, it is much more valuable for giving more a personalized review and advice.

[Thomas L. Fenner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book to read in my first months of retirement. The book was written by a therapist, and it offers dozens of stories of people who have entered retirement - some successfully, some not. The book gives a lot of insight into how to reinvent yourself in this phase of life and make the most of it. All in all a very thought-provoking and inspiring book, but I can’t give it 5 stars, because there are just too many typos.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was exactly what we needed when my husband’s position looked like it was about to be eliminated and we were going to hit retirement years earlier than expected. It helps you see all the possibilities and generates a lot of thought and discussion about how to craft the second half of your life. This book has had such a strong impact on me that I’ve already bought five copies since discovering this book a couple months ago, and I’m sure to buy more copies for any of my friends and family who are contemplating retirement.

[Gladys Landing-Corretjer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a great book! It guides you, provokes thoughts and questions about what Borchard calls the "next chapter" in our lives. I am ready to write the next chapter of my story as I proceed with my retirement plans. A must read!

[Fran · Rating 3 out of 5]

good enough book. Got some food for thought and some verification about some things I already knew. I could have done without some many case studies.

[Ellie1029]

good to read if you're planning on retirement any time soon

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is different from the books that focus on the financial issues related to retirement. David Borchard and Pat Donohoe wrote a book for people who want to look at the many different facets of this major transition in life. It has helpful information, but doesn't attempt to answer all the questions. Instead it helps you think through the challenges and imagine the possibilities this new opportunity presents. There is a helpful instrument that allows the reader to think through various lifestyle options. I found this interesting and helpful as I anticipate my own adventure. Couples who find it hard to agree on their future may benefit from the authors advice and the examples provided. This book has given me lots to think about. I would recommend it to my friends. The author is a life coach and his wife is an artist and a pastor. I'm glad I found this book, and will probably keep it on shelf for future reference.