Retire and Thrive : Remarkable People Share Their Creative, Productive and Profitable Retirement Strategies

Offering reassurance, inspiration, and unique ideas, a guide to creative retirement covers such options as turning a hobby into a business, pursuing academic interests, and supplementing fixed incomes. Original. 15,000 first printing. Tour.

Otterbourg very craftily makes the telling of personal experiences his focus in a book about that much-dreaded concept retirement. Yet, as the first chapter title asks, why all the fuss? Maybe because we're saddled with images of our parents' completion of work or because ages 62 to 65 seem so young, certainly not old enough to stop producing. But whatever the misperceptions, the author duly outlines the options, which include flexible work patterns, new careers, hobbies, volunteerism, re-education, new jobs, or a succession of jobs. In addition to stories of "how we retired good" are suggested reading and points of contact. Barbara Jacobs

Retirement age is often perceived as the end of our working years. It can also mean the beginning of new opportunities. Here are two sources that discuss making the most of retirement. Otterbourg, now a full-time writer after a career in journalism and public relations, offers case studies as well as practical advice on preparing for and living the retirement years. For example, many retirees enroll in college or continuing education programs, perform community service, start a new hobby, or buy a small business. According to the author, "contrary to the dictionary definition, retirement need not be 'withdrawal from one's position or occupation or from active working life.'" He even includes a special section, "How Will You Foot the Bills?" which discusses effective financial planning strategies. Throughout the work, the author lists names and addresses of organizations helpful to retirees. Smith, a financial planner specializing in retirement, uses case studies of the fictional Meehans and Keenes to illustrate his advice. After introducing sessions the couples have with financial planners and other professionals, he concentrates on the financial aspects of retirement, including tax implications, investing, and estate planning. The appendixes contain sample forms and worksheets. Smith provides as well a glossary and a bibliography. Both works offer positive, helpful advice to those 50-plus and to younger people beginning retirement planning. Both should encourage readers to view retirement as a beginning, not an end. Recommended for public libraries.?Lucy Heckman, St. John's Univ. Lib., Jamaica, N.Y.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.