Evidence in support of my application

This is also available to download – access it here.

General Comments

I have found your articles and research fascinating. I am a careers adviser and currently work with young people, but have worked with FE students often in the past, both adults & young people. Your work has both helped me support career changers, or those at transition points & given me a great of thought around how I might spend my retirement or consider career change of my own. Even though retirement is 20+ years off for me, I am certain I want that period in my life to be full of purpose, include ways to keep learning / developing myself or my skills and involve some form of part-time income generation. I am also considering options such as providing retirement planning advice / coaching as I age, perhaps as a freelancer, as I feel some of the population at least will age with me. Following your path and writings has been invaluable. Kyley Houghton
Denise, your articles and book have been so helpful. As a former clinician with a bit of a passion for facts and learning I am able to find such a wealth of information in your articles and book. I too wish to contribute to help others live their best lives in retirement by providing workshops etc. Many people I speak to say this an important and needed offering and your research provides the evidence. You are an inspirational role model and also, I have found you to be very generous and willing to share your knowledge. Your regular postings on LinkedIn and your newsletter demonstrate great energy and positivity. Thank you. Karen Krawczyk
Massively! As a career consultant I deal with people who are managing later life rather than retiring, so your articles are a great source of inspiration to them. What I especially appreciate is that the articles and book are all based on evidence, so I know this is a source I can trust. Susan Osborn M.C.D.I.
Denise, your articles have not only been enjoyable to read, but valuable. Having linked up with you many years ago, something I have always valued has been your practical, evidence-based approach. You encapsulate the scientific evidence into manageable articles that are immensely readable. I regularly share your newsletters. Nora Hutson FCIPD
In my coaching and mentoring work, I have been able to draw on your research to assist clients of all ages. This is often subtle, but due to the accessibility of the information, it is easy to remember and have at the back of one’s mind which influences one’s coaching responses. It is also good to know that I have the information at my fingertips, should I need to try to persuade corporate clients the benefits of investing in their older workforce!
Denise, I find your work to be very thorough, inspirational, and thought provoking. I am a decade ahead of you and am enjoying being completely retired but appreciate the perspective you are offering to retirees and pre-retirees. I discovered your work on LinkedIn and find myself recommending you and your work to other colleagues who are considering new ways to look at retirement. Congrats on your terrific body of work, and more yet to come! Karen Dowd
Hi Denise, I just stumbled across you by being new on LinkedIn. I have been a coach for over 20 years and have had clients I’ve helped find new purpose and passions – including new professions, social enterprise and paid endeavours. A few years ago, I decided to change my niche to retiring executives. … I’m 65 and know exactly what I want to do:). I have captured one article and LOVED it. I so appreciate your evidence-based information and am pleased to add you to my recommended resources. I will follow you going forward, of course.
Hi Denise it’s a while since we last met but I followed you on LinkedIn, watched your podcast and read your articles. They have really been an inspiration to me and changed my view of retirement or semi-retirement. You quote lots of validations for keeping working at things you enjoy. Appreciating nature and not apologizing or making excuses of why you keep work when people say why have you not stopped working. Thank you 😊 for your book which will give others the opportunity to explore what works for them. Carol Whitaker
I have found your articles and your research great. It resonates with me, as most of my work I have been focussed on being an occ psych, that then changed to developing others, but then what about retirement. Your research looks at that and I enjoy reading your newsletters. David Biggs
I read your work from a different perspective. I am now nearly 61. As someone who has no intention of slowing down yet, however my friends have, I find it interesting to peek at what is possibly their thought process. My view is that your personal pension plan provider assumes you will be requesting your pension until the age of 99. So Why would you want to retire in your 60’s. I work part time at the moment 3 days a week that was a choice to balance being a care giver and the desire to still work. Given the shift to Hybrid working, and or fully remote working I am now back to looking at full time roles. Patricia Morris
Hello Denise, Just a quick message to say that your work has helped me as I am planning retirement! What I love about your work is it is based on research. I have a psychology background so I like to know the theory behind things or course, so your approach in your newsletter and in your recent book has been ideal for me. I’m just part of the way through Rethinking Retirement, but already I am pondering different ideas such as what will my retirement look like, what I want to make of it. It is exciting and scary, and I know I can dip back into sections of the book to get my planning in place. As well as benefiting from reading about the literature, I find you an inspiring person. I am 56 so having a positive role model of a woman who has done so much especially post 60 gives me hope that after I finish with my full-time job, I have much to look forward to! I think that’s all I can say for the moment, apart from saying thank you so much for sharing your work. Susan Thomson (email)

Comments on the book – Rethinking Retirement for Positive Ageing

‘Dr. Denise Taylor provides you a roadmap along an unexplored path from relationships to health, self and wealth that allows you to be open to discover meaning in the process of re-imagining retirement.’ Kerry Hannon, workplace futurist, Yahoo Finance senior columnist and bestselling author of In Control at 50+: How to Succeed in the New World of Work
In Rethinking Retirement, Dr. Denise Taylor challenges us to reimagine retirement. To uncover the limitless potential of the often-dreaded transition into the “third act,” she explores the power of transitions, how to do the deep work within, and takes the reader on a step-by-step journey to create a meaningful life after work. Barbara Waxman, Odyssey Group Coaching LLC, TED Speaker
‘This practical and inspirational book couldn’t be more timely. With the changes we have seen in recent times to pensions, health and the world of work, we urgently need to set our outdated assumptions of what retirement should be aside if we are to truly make the most of twenty-first century life expectancies.’ Catherine Foot, Director of Longevity Think Tank, Phoenix Insights
‘Dr Denise Taylor has written an outstanding blueprint with practical ideas to help you navigate your journey in later life. A personal roadmap designed for you.’ Lynda Smith, Longevity Advocate, South Africa
The landscape around retirement has changed dramatically. Never has there been a better opportunity to create happy, healthy and purposeful retirements. The author provides us with a blueprint. Full of information, insights, challenges and incisive questions. The key areas of health, relationships, financial well-being and work are all covered in depth. However, the book’s greatest value, taps into the author’s occupational psychology background. She shines a light on the importance of personality and encourages to go deeper into finding our purpose and meaning. And provides practical help to enable us to do it. A significant in-depth contribution! – Jim Currie – www.reinventingretirement.co.uk
This is an incredibly thorough book, based on Denise’s doctoral research. Whether you’re a coach working with those thinking about retiring, or you’re the one planning retirement (or are already retired) there is plenty of food for thought. The combination of evidence-based ideas and activities makes this a trustworthy companion to help you through this next transition of life.
This is a timely book. The world economic forum and the Chief Officers Medical report for 2023 demonstrate the need to focus on older people, retirement and the need to look and approach ageing differently. To see retirement and ageing in a more positive way and realize the potential of this growing number of people in the Western world, is significant. Denise brings together a great deal of research, wisdom, optimism and resources to this area. Her humour and desire to communicate in a friendly approachable manner comes across. This is a very useful addition to my resources to enable people to live their best life as they approach/ or are in one of life’s major transitions.
For a long time, I have thought of myself as ‘unemployed but not retired.’ This has been a really valuable resource in helping me come to terms with the transition to being properly and positively retired.
Psychologist Denise Taylor thinks back to retirement as a time to discover yourself and fulfil yourself. The text is very well documented. Useful reading for retirees who want to fully experience this phase of their lives.
Hello Denise…I love your book and am getting to know your material with great appreciation… best rich. Rich Feller Ph.D. Former President, National Career Development Association
A former colleague of yours, Andy Jackson, now a colleague of mine, recommended that I read your book in preparation for my imminent retirement. I am thoroughly enjoying it and am reflecting a great deal. David Wilson

Selected comments from the Linked In newsletter articles

I love your uptake on this Denise. Your newsletter/blog is something that I always take the time to read and mull over. Maybe it’s because I’m at that stage of life, or maybe it’s just because you make your journey so touchable, and real. Whatever, thanks for taking the time to share and much success with everything going forward…. All the best…. Mel Baruch
As someone who has already passed ‘retirement’ age and have been beating the drum for many years about rethinking ‘retirement’, I can see the need for such a book, so hearty congratulations 🎊👏! I had planned to write a sequel to my Portfolio Careers book to focus on examples of people with interesting ‘twilight careers’ and life changes. However, I’m no longer motivated to do this as I’m totally focused on our own forthcoming coastal move and lifestyle change! Good luck with the book Denise and great you are still rocking on and making a difference 😀Steve Preston
Thanks for this. The transition to retirement is becoming more complex these days as the nature of retirement changes for many people so it is good that more people are increasing awareness of the issues involved.
30 months away from retirement, this article really hit home. That level of soul searching as well as sounding extremely creative, also sounds exhausting and frightening. I don’t know which of the emotions currently has the overhand.
Thank you, Dr Denise Taylor. Transition is a part of our entire lifespan and continuing to understand that as we age will help keep a proper mindset. David Buck
A real eye-opener Denise! We tend to focus too much time on our age and not on what we can still do at our age! Audrey Brotherson
When people ask me, I give a big wide smile as I say I am retired. What am I doing now? I’m a student: of languages, history, philosophy, nature and other things. I’m relishing the fact that I finally have time to look at a portion of the road not travelled. Finally, I am deeply grateful to have worked in healthcare for over 40 years, to have learned as much as I did, to have become the woman I am, and to have survived to my current age. Many did not. Retirement: the act of putting new wheels on the bus and going on a road trip!
I like to use the term Refired. Living a blended life that can include a mix of work, leisure, family, travel, learning and volunteering. The mix for each individual needs to be designed according to their own needs. Linda Smith
Your posts are thought provoking and what you’ve done Denise is truly inspiring, it really is. For me, whilst 50 maybe the new 40 etc etc 60 is 60. It’s somewhat scary. It makes me think ‘better start doing what you need to do’ probably as I see 70 as a time where my health and fitness may not be so good. For the first time I’m starting to appreciate that our time on this planet is finite. Tbh I’m drifting. I need to seize the day. Richard Lane.
I look forward to these posts. I think the ‘50 new 40’ sayings refer to the thinking that 50 years olds today are probably much fitter and healthier than their parents were at the same age. I’m 57 but still give 27-year-olds a run for their money 😃 Sandra Collins
This article is fantastic Dr Denise. It gives a great overview of the life audit process and as coaches, we’re here to guide people in finding their own unique path as they transition into retirement. Thanks for sharing. Linda Silverman
An interesting read – I am 77 so quite close to stage 6 but I ditched the word retirement and have continued exploring new boundaries & new experiences. Peter Darroll
Denise, I just wanted to share my appreciation of your writings on retirement. I am currently preparing an input to a pre-retirement programme, where I know their prime interest are the financials, so your research and writing is helping my thinking on how to move them from securing retirement to living well in retirement. I look forward to reading the articles and the book when they appear. Dr Carole Pemberton
An interesting post which really got me thinking. I agree with Melvin in that for me an improved financial position has made the ‘f*** it’ attitude easier. But I bet there are people who may struggle financially who still have that attitude. Perhaps as we get older there’s also a realisation that our time doesn’t last forever.
This totally resonate with me, thank you for posting. I am certainly at that stage where I am happy in my own skin. I am aware however, that I can share my wealth of experience in life with others, if they need this, or indeed seek me out. Life is indeed what you make it, we must be mindful that we always have choices. Therefore, I am embracing my new freedom from what I have to do to, to what I want to do, but not retiring from life. Rachel
Firstly, thanks for this series, it certainly gives a lot of food for thought. With regard to your question in a work context I agree 100%, but I think that one of the reasons that we become more confident, is the fact we are likely to be more financially secure, and if we are not, for those who have had the same employer for some time, then the risk of being cast off is minimised to some extent by the thought of a payoff. In the relationship arena, I think it depends very much on your status, as you move into this area of your life. If you are already used to managing alone, then the growing feeling of self-confidence may make the decisions you describe easier. If you’re not then you may feel, for a number of reasons, the need to hold onto what you’ve got. Whether that’s a good thing or not remains to be seen.
Hi David, Was it Henry Ford who said (paraphrased), whether you believe you can or you believe you can’t in both cases you’re right. As Denise mentions, believing in a positive outcome is more likely to help you achieve a positive outcome, the word realistic in this context could be construed to mean a slightly more negative result is more likely. why should that necessarily be the case? And if I enjoy more positive moments, aren’t I likely to feel more fulfilled? which in turn is more likely to result in healthy choices (not necessarily my strength ;-))
Fluid V Crystallized Intelligence – A great summary of the difference between the two. I also like the research linking crystallised intelligence to job performance and use this to help make the case being ‘over qualified’ is actually a good thing.
A great thought-provoking article which made me realise that as a dedicated lifelong learner my focus was on teaching & showing rather than striving for career success.
A positive mindset is super important throughout your whole life. I’ve come across so many people as a coach and even observing my own family who possessed limiting beliefs. People really don’t know what they’re capable of and continue to stay within their comfort zone, willing to accept what society tells them about aging. A little bit of optimism would go a long way to fixing many health problems. Mindset first, action second!
Love the idea of emphasizing proactiveness. Very insightful. David Buck
Well shared 👐A proactive personality is characterized by high initiative, self-direction, and a willingness to seek out opportunities for growth and change. Elisa Silbert
I agree. If you have sown the seeds of doubt in your own mind, interview panels will pick up on non-verbal and verbal signals and also doubt. It’s infectious. Good tips to address this!
Didn’t realise you have done so much Denise, amazing. Good question in regards to retirement, I’m now at that crossroads but still need to earn! I’m thinking of leaving behind the flat & getting a motorhome & travelling whilst using it as my office. Hope all is well & hopefully you have kept the dancing going
Great article Dr Denise. The old participation vs engagement conundrum. One will fill your time, the other will fill your soul. There’s such a difference in ‘being busy’ and feeling fulfilled. Thanks for sharing Dr Denise
Really like this Dr Denise Taylor I’ve tended to think about fun in quite a binary way, so this framework is really helpful.
Thanks Denise, I loved the simplicity and profoundness in this, and it gives a lot of food for thought.
Another great article, I know some of my older students who found it difficult to gain work when they were over 50. It is a shame that there is prejudice out there but I think by having a positive mental attitude as Denise says can help to counteract this.
Reading this, I become even more excited about my future learnings. For me, I like the structure of an academic degree for learning I’m looking forward to your book, Dr Denise Taylor! Great post. Michael Birchmore
Dr Denise Taylor I love the work titles you list in your newsletter for volunteer roles retired or semi-retired persons perform in giving back to the community when the demand for remunerative work lessens. I think these titles really dignify the worker and remind them of the value they can bring to the labour market in their elder years. In working with mature-age individuals, I note there is a huge need for them to identify their value so they can clearly articulate this to truly own these ‘snazzy’ work titles.
When the housewife goes to work, I notice that it takes a number of people to fill her shoes 😀 Rebekah Raftopoulos
Denise, your book is a great addition to the resources we have collected for our highly evaluated workshop focused on Redirection/ Retirement. Thank you!
Really interesting & exactly what I am thinking – not planning to retire just yet (age a young 64!!) – v much enjoying my role – but keen to look for opportunities to start building on now. Being a busy full time senior accountant, I just can’t visualise giving up all work – paid or otherwise – for my own mental health as much as anything. So, welcome any ideas for avenues to explore (& where I can still add value)
Kathy Bradbury MAAT FCCA Hi Kathy here’s some hints I hope might help. When I’ve worked with older adults contemplating leaving paid full-time work, I get them to map their knowledge (assessing their work-related skills, experiences) and document all their attributes. And how and when they apply their talent at paid work. Then get them to consider what they are interested in, what they like and what they consider they are good at. We also change the word “volunteering” to “gifting time and talent”. Hope this helps and happy to send some more specific ideas if you like. Cheers Andrew
Andrew Kikeros That’s an interesting way of redefining volunteering, I’d not come across that before, so thanks for sharing it. If I look back at my volunteering, I would often do things that used my skills (so often the secretary of different groups) and then I realised I wanted to explore different areas. Interests and passions can take us into many new areas and staying curious is so helpful for our wellbeing.
Andrew Kikeros interesting, thank you. I’ve not picked up that feeling of ‘should’ regarding volunteering in the UK – I wonder if it is a cultural thing?
Dr Denise Taylor not sure, I think it’s so incredibly difficult for some people to believe fulfilment is obtainable without a sense of duty and or toil. Not sure if it’s cultural or maybe a legacy of this generation being influenced by war and depression parenting. And it’s certainly not everyone I’ve interviewed but enough for it to be a thing. Cheers Andrew
Fascinated by the idea that 60 is old, maybe in medical terms?? Certainly not in health, mental capacity or capacity for adventure terms in my experience. Most people I know of 70 even are fit as a fiddle!!
I agree Denise. I took up weight training in my mid 60s after suffering a herniated disc and sciatica. More recently I had robotic surgery for prostate cancer but that hasn’t stopped me either. I feel as fit now as I did over 20 years ago.
Age is really just a number and a positive mindset is key. Vince Pizzoni
This is beautifully written Denise! Will share this with my parents and grandma and a great reframe for me too as I age myself.
Loved it Denise, thank you. Totally agree that most of what we do and think is heavily influenced by our thoughts. Enjoy your time with your thoughts.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+= Comments related to Article: Maybe we don’t get happier as we age?
Interesting post, which prompted me to go and read the Bartram article and related research papers. As a psychologist of course I’m fascinated with human development, and the concept around retirement, semi-retirement, autonomous work, volunteering, latter year meaningful life and so on, has also been of interest to me throughout my career. Whilst our circumstances play a big role and we may not necessarily have control over it, there may be things we can (and probably should) plan if we want to manifest a certain outcome which we may (or may not) believe, would be a factor in our happiness. We’ve all heard that ‘hope is not a strategy’ yet I’m not sure we focus enough on educating ourselves and others to prepare for and being able to embrace that ‘happiness’ when it is on our path. Knowledge is key, and an understanding of our own realities and its accelerators or restrictions, may be a way to enjoy the wiser years as happy years… My comment here is very simplistic and I encourage any readers to do their own research into the topic, and not read too much into my comment.
Dr Denise Taylor really good analysis on the U-curve of happiness. As you mentioned it all depends on one’s financial and health situation plus it’s also possible that who were really miserable either passed away at a relatively younger age or weren’t part of the analysis for other reasons. So, self-selection is an issue too. If not a simple U-curve, do you think it would be series of W-curves rolled into one?
I’ve got a couple of friends retiring and you might want to consider having something in your book about the stress of letting go and embracing the new. We know change is a massive stressor at different times in our lives but it can be good as well.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+= Comments related to Article: How old are you in your head?
How interesting. In my head I’m my true chronological age but I’m happy with this. I know a younger me would hammer me at 58 physically and I know I’m not as mentally quick as I was. However, I’m probably wiser, and I do keep fit, often training with youngsters. I’ve also younger brothers as a reference point, so tough for me to kid myself that I’m younger! Edited to add definitely younger than my parents at this age!
It’s going well thank you Denise. Really appreciate the value of time and the choice I have over what I do. I’ve a slight apprehension of time whizzing by and not doing anything and so have set goals (more directional statements) across a range of stuff I’d like to do, for example, I’d love to visit places with my wife, and that’s probably best done in the earlier years of this stage. And then stuff I should do (which in itself for me is enjoyable) like maintaining good health and keeping the mind challenged. All at my own pace. But acutely aware that time is finite. Looking forward to the release of your new book.
Very interesting. I think my subjective age changes day to day but is probably about 15-20% younger than my chronological age.
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I’m curious about the research on physical attributes you mention. The age group studied were still reaping the benefits of early post-war diets, without actually experiencing much of the war itself (if any). I wonder if this will change less positively as those currently 10-20 years younger are compared (my age group!), with more sugar, fat and convenience foods in their diets, and less regular physical exercise (using cars more etc).
I think there is evidence of some people being less fit and healthy now than a generation ago and there are wide differences across generations now; don’t have any links to hand regarding this. The book Age Proof by Prof. Rose Kenny is an interesting read around this.
Great newsletter – what many people don’t realise is, that the time between 30-60 is the same as between 60-90. so, keep exploring and learning
Great post Dr Denise Taylor. I find Body Pump is really good to maintain and build strength. Quite proud of being one of the oldest in the class! I now do daily 10-minute yoga sessions as well as my regular longer classes and normally enjoy a daily swim… 😎
Another informative article Dr Denise Taylor. I particularly like your take on the media. “The media plays a significant role in perpetuating ageist stereotypes.” This is so true, that it has an impact on the how and why people choose to not want to retire. David Buck
Hi Denise, this is really timely for me as due to a new health diagnosis – coronary heart disease I have been forced to think more carefully how I want to spend my time and who with. Time is very precious you can’t cultivate more of it so you have to think carefully how and with whom you want to spend it. I have just done what some people would call a culling and politely said to a couple of old friends that I don’t want to stay in touch as I don’t feel able to anymore – I have found that meeting up with some of these friends actually is distressing me and they don’t understand my situation, so I feel worse after meeting them. It isn’t really working for them either I don’t think but often we are too socially conditioned to call it a day. I feel actually much better for doing so because it allows me not to keep seeing people every month who I used to have things in common with but don’t and now can spend that time on people and on doing things that bring me happiness. I would recommend looking at your friends particularly assessing how you emotionally feel when you see their name in your address book. If it isn’t a resounding positive feeling, then move on.
Thank you so much for this article and getting to the source of the research, loneliness is such an issue and when people retire, get made redundant or work from home it can become a real issue. Sarah Taylor
It is so easy to slip into loneliness and so devastating to your life and soul. A little effort put into making friends can make all the difference to your life and even lengthen it. So worth it. Rosemary Bointon
Some really valuable points Denise, friendship is paramount to wellbeing. Wayne Parrott
Denise hi. Thank you so much for sharing so openly. One of the things I find most difficult about retirement financial planning is that individuals do not choose to share their circumstances. So, it is very difficult to know whether or not as an individual I am thinking about the right things or doing “OK” or not. I found your openness so refreshing and helpful. Thank you. love the Jungian perspective x
Excellent topic for consideration Denise. Whether we want to work beyond the day we’re entitled to a state pension or not I think it’s important, for peace of mind, to be aware of what you may be entitled to and what you can do about it if you want to boost that amount. Alan Hayes
Hi Denise, I am enjoying your series and look forward to the new book. One thing though for men is that many of us have to pay our ex-partners, child maintenance goes to people till the child is 20. So, my maintenance will finish when I am 67. Nevertheless, if I do have to retire early, I will still have to pay maintenance on top of my living expenses. This has to be considered in any early retirement plan. I would not like to retire early but if work is affecting your health you do have to consider your options. Anyway, I thought I would add that as a comment. Best wishes, David
I think it depends on what happens to you. My father died at 50 and had so many dreams and plans that never got realised. I have got quite severe health problems now at 52 – so travelling far is out but if I could I would now like to do one longer stay maybe several weeks in a remote place like Shetland but still with medical centres near enough if I need them. If you are ill or become disabled early on then these become very important priorities. If you are fit and healthy and I always think paying for a health check in your 50/60s is a good place to start it is worth then thinking about what gives you greatest joy rather than carrying on spending habitually which is all too easy to do. When you are forced to give up activities or something dramatic happens that is when people prioritise which is too late often. I never thought I would paint but in the last few years I enjoy painting very much – so whilst I can’t travel or spend loads on other things – cars, houses – I now spend my money on what really matters and that is a great lesson. This hobby actually doesn’t cost me that much, and gives me hours of relaxation and joy. I wish I had done it sooner.
I was having this very same discussion with a colleague only yesterday! What became apparent was that the 15 years age gap (and possibly the gender difference) do have a huge impact on our different outlook. My colleague believed that I should be looking at a bungalow – a little less removed from people, whereas I was hoping to be as far away from civilisation as humanely possible! I need things, and people, much less as I get older. My only absolute is top-notch WIFI!
I wonder if the differences increase as we age? I’ve lived in town for 3-4 years, truly loved being in the centre of the action. Now, after life changed with lockdown, I’d be happy to be in a cottage near the woods! And no change is forever, we can always rethink if we choose. I am definitely braver than I have ever been. I have no desire to be near anybody’s action! I love the planning involved in a trip to see people, but I’m so pleased that those who know me well, never ‘drop in’. Books, thoughts, superlative IT take priority for me right now. Being away from, as opposed to nearby feels so much more liberating. Will this change? Possibly. Right now, and for this next decade, I think I have it kind of sussed!
Such an important discussion. My Mum (age 84 but very sprightly) has just moved to Cornwall from Oxford be nearer my sister. She has gone for a slightly smaller property – a bungalow but a lot less land as her last place had over an acre of garden (which she had made so lovely over 30 years – it was a wrench to leave it). The new house has space for friends and family to stay and is walking distance to the town and all amenities and my sister’s house. She is so busy as she has got involved with tons of local activities already – she is such an inspiration. She loves a video call and I keep phoning her and she is with new friends – carpet bowls, garden club, choir, church, trefoil (retired guiders group). My sister helped her sort the clutter which took over a year and a skip was required! It would have been better if she had moved earlier but she was caring for my Dad who had dementia for a long time until he died so that delayed the process. I am 55 & moved 4 years ago post-divorce. When I selected my flat, I made sure it was accessible and that if this was my last home it would be manageable as I mature. (My daughter is a wheelchair user so also has to be accessible for them when they visit too).
Thank you for sharing – my wife & I often discuss this relocation issue but for the time being are staying put
Amazing post, thanks for sharing. A lot of what you’d want resonates with me too.
What fabulous insights and how true…. Thanks for the questions and your personal answers…I’m still fighting with mine because the question is so real and unreal at the same time.
I’m finding these questions easier with age and time in nature gives me time to both think and to allow things to rise to the surface. To meditate, or reflect on the question as you walk/ swim/ gaze may help?
Thank you for sharing this. Sadly, not all live with intensity in their later lives
Thank you – I am about to turn 77 and am inspired by your writings. Peter Darroll
Happy Birthday Dr Denise Taylor! Really enjoyed reading the motivating letter from your future self.
Happy birthday and a beautiful letter Dr Denise Taylor
Mike Turner – A – Happy Birthday Dr Denise Taylor 🥳 and B – Thank you for the reminder. I’ve been meaning to write a letter to my 65-year-old self-reflecting on “the past 35 years” for some time. Enjoy your time at Hawkstone Follies
Another great post, Denise. Thanks for sharing. It reminded me of a time when a colleague of mine told me that she felt sad for me because I didn’t have grandchildren – they were her legacy – so I clearly didn’t have one! I recall being somewhat taken aback and then informing her that, during my lifetime, I had supported more than 6000 job seekers/career changers and helped to provide them with the confidence, skills and inspiration to make their next career move. I wouldn’t have changed a thing! 😎Legacy and ‘what we do with our lives’ are both very personal to the individual. Reflecting is valuable but don’t make the mistake of judging yourself and your life by only what is important to others. 💜
This is a profound question, Denise. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Hi Denise, As always thought provoking with a touch of pragmatism attached to move on. Beautiful.
To be honest I personally feel regret is not something we should dwell on (which is why I love your re-framing of what’s possible today). I believe, at the time we made the decision, whatever the consequences may be, it was the only decision we could have made. Why do I say that? Well leading up to that point we had a set of experiences and habits and behaviours that led us to that moment in time. There was also a unique set of triggers from others or our environment, and all these elements played a part subconsciously in the decision process. That doesn’t mean that the decisions were right, on the contrary, there may be a number of decisions where we require that we forgive ourselves (and perhaps others), but at that moment in time, with all that we had experienced, it led to that single occurrence and decision. To that end taking time to reflect on what we have done, why we did it, and what we can learn from it, is something we should all try and find some time for. Regularly! Fortunately, your posts go a long way in forcing myself and others to do exactly that. So, a very big thank you from my side.
I love the practical slant of what could you do, even if the first idea is not possible.
Beautiful and powerful reminders, Dr Denise Taylor! What a difference it makes to appreciate the benefits of getting older rather than lament getting OLD!
Thank you for this post, and for sharing the life expectancy calculator. Not sure I’m feeling brave enough to use it yet.
Having more work options beyond our 50s is greatly determined by the type of work we do, and also by health and pension savings. When more people worked for one organisation for their whole career & were then in receipt of a Final Salary (Defined Benefit) pension they had a much clearer understanding of their financial position and probably were more financially secure in their retirement. The demise in long term employment by a single employer combined with the transition to Defined Salary pensions has probably resulted in many more people having less money beyond retirement age. This might in part account for the widening gap.
The retirement age of 65 for men was set when life expectancy was <70 years. Less pension and savings were needed. You worked for 45+ years and on average, your retirement was just a few years. Now we have a longer life expectancy and overall lower pensions and other savings. Those who have chronic ill health or who need to care for dependant relatives will be in an even worse position. Having choices around when to retire and/ or options about continuing employment beyond retirement age is a privilege of the healthy, more financially secure. How do we enable more people to have this choice? Some radical thinking and hard decisions will be needed around eligibility for state pensions; better educating people on financial management; encouraging saving; an economy which isn’t just built on spending, etc. In the meantime, I use my coaching skills to support unemployed women to secure employment and it’s my plan to do more of this. Beverley Grant
Yes, I think we need to reset expectations too. If you think you want to retire in your 50s you need to start planning and investing the right amount from your twenties. This is more difficult for young people today who face higher living costs and much more expensive housing than our generation did at a similar age. On top of this, we didn’t have to pay to go to university.
I don’t know what percentage of people aged 60+ are working now, but it’s hard to imagine that the percentage needing to earn beyond current retirement age won’t be much higher in the future. I also wonder how this will fit with AI and robotization of more jobs.
I’m thinking that younger people are more realistic. It’s people of my generation who thought they would be able to retire and relax that had hit a bump with changes in personal pensions and of course people can experience health problems they haven’t prepared for. And indeed, AI etc will change the jobs available and people need to be open to change and retraining, but if you are now 60 and have minimal private pension provision the only real option is to carry on working or look for other income sources.
As someone who became disabled at 35 this is a really important article. Often, we assume that we will have good health until now in our 80s and this is often not the case. We expect to be working longer but don’t tend to think about whether this is going to be possible or that we might want by that stage really to a different kind of job in terms of the demands it places on it.
This is such an important article. It raises so many good points about changing how we see work, particularly in terms of a lifetime and in the last third of our life which is now longer often than ever before. Doing work that is hybrid some working at home and some not as we age, adapting to health or other challenges (looking after elderly parents) needs to be more accepted and talked about instead of brushed under the carpet. Looking at taking our passions not just into voluntary work when we retire but earning an income to help with the costs of living longer. Great points. Keep the debate going so important for the future of work and wellbeing of all of us and older persons in our society.
An interesting series Denise – thankyou. As someone who is of similar vintage to yourself, it is both timely and helpful
That is an insightful approach and exercise. Too many people only think of the immediate in retirement and not how we will change over time.I suspect people look back with rose coloured glasses on. Those memories have been romanticised as we age.
Hi Denise I always love your posts, just taking a few moments to read makes me stop and think what small thing can I change thank you for your inspiration Carol
+=+=+=+=+=+=+= Comments related to Article: 7 great things about getting older
Great article Denise. Maybe we are also influenced by our parents’ views on ‘old age’. Amongst our friends there is one (in his 70s now) who is dogmatic that 60 is ‘old’. Whatever arguments against this view we tried, we couldn’t budge him…
There are studies now that show that if you feel younger than you are then you live longer. So, cultivating a young at heart attitude is a good thing. Unfortunately, too many people equate that with the outside bits looking young too. But smile and laugh and the whole world smiles and laughs with you. So, what if you have laughter lines? A positive attitude shows up every time and good people look past the outside to the attitude and spirit inside. But a negative one will likely come back to bite that poor guy. Thanks for the article. Rosemary Bointon
It’s interesting Denise. I go to a gym (age 67) and work out with everyone else and I can honestly say I have never had any negative comments. In fact, only positive! I also think that point 7 resonates. I undoubtedly know far more now and, in the coaching, work I do, I have far more to offer the next generations as they attempt to navigate the choppy waters of employment. Vince Pirazzi
Thank you. Thought-provoking. I particularly identify with #3 and to some extent #5, whilst hoping that #7 will arrive. I’d add two points: (a) overall, I find that the greyer my beard becomes, the more I get treated with respect; and (b) I can get away with more.
Thank you for sharing. Happy 90+ years to your mum. Reaching that milestone will become more frequent. I encourage my clients to think about their longevity when planning for a post career life. If we all live to you mum’s age, we’ll be spending over 25% of our life in post career or retirement.
indeed … it’s a wonderful gift to have this extra time and the traditional retirement is on the way out.
Great description of what it feels to be young old and how life can be embraced with new enthusiasm. I personally don’t like the term young old, because its reference point is still ‘old’ but I don’t have a better alternative! And it does capture the right spirit. I think the financial considerations for many people at this stage can be hugely limiting and so many are not so fortunate to have acquired or planned for financial comfort in later years, for many reasons. I like to remind people that I am punk generation and unlikely to take age lying down. oh, they can 🤣 thanks to three decades now of yoga. Linda Doe
There are exceptions to every classification but classifying by chronological age alone creates many exceptions. I hope that when you reach your 75th birthday, you won’t suddenly feel old but will continue to think and behave as a young-old. As Linda says, you have captured the spirit, but it is a shame to limit the spirit by mere numbers. Rosemary Bointon
Rosemary Bointon thanks for that. I was going by academic definitions and this was my preferred one. Maybe we skip the middle category. I’m with my mum at the moment who is 90. Whilst young at spirit she is more frail and would certainly see herself as old. Thought some more on this and actually think I want to claim the word old – or crone just not decided at what age but 75 seems a good age for this … still pondering on it
Thank you for this, it’s so interesting and relevant to me. I’m 60, I definitely identify as young old. I’ve just joined a team at my church where we are creating a ministry for the retired generation. I’m trying to convey that this is not just one generation but several, and your categories perfectly describe that. And as you say it isn’t just about chronically age. Linda Raddon
It’s difficult to find stats so great job Denise. Rosemary Bointon
That’s great. 👍The press-release refers to ‘modern elders’ a term made popular by Chip Conley. An elder is what people may aspire to but it is much more than a label. We all get older, we don’t all become wise
Wow, what a great video! Maggie Kuhn’s thoughts on aging and the power of the elderly are timeless and inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
You can see the deep regret in your clients’ comments, about making choices they now regard as unwise, or limiting, or even damaging. It strikes me how harsh some of them are on themselves too, for having made those ‘mistakes’ when many of them were young and inexperienced, with little support from those around them. I’m glad they have you to support them through making the changes they want to make, and to develop greater self-compassion, and not be caged in by their guilt. And to signpost them to counsellors or therapists, if they want to / need to go deeper. Ruth Winden
Ruth Winden indeed. We need to be kind and to recognise we did the best at the time. But tur these people the regret looms heavy in their life. There is a need to make our peace with what has need.
What a fund of information! Regrets are the worst thing. Rosemary Bointon
Interesting talking of regrets in life. I was considering one regret earlier today about missing out on an opportunity to live abroad when my family was young. Then I considered a much earlier regret that I didn’t go into another career – I did as my parents suggested & went to do a degree & then just followed in my father’s footsteps to do what work he had done. This was because I had no idea who I was – & wasn’t brave enough to take a risk …but then if I had done this, I would not have had the first regret as I wouldn’t have had my family & met my husband who was the one who had the chance to work abroad …!! life is complex…& in many ways it’s not useful to have regrets … We have to be kind to ourselves & accept we made the decisions we thought were the right ones at that time … Conversely in some ways we do have to consider if we might not take a risk & do the same again now – make a decision based on what we already know & feel safe with…🫣 Caroline Skinner
“Thank you for your amazing contributions, Dr Denise Taylor, and sharing this article with us!”
I take my hat off to you for the work you have put into your research and your book. Fiona Adamson