Energize Your Retirement: Stories of Passionate Pursuits
Christine Sparacino
http://www.christinesparacino.com/book/
Subject: Retirement
ISBN: 978-0-9905669-2-2
Available on
Amazon.
Five Stars
Reviewed by Doug Nordman originally for Goodreads
I've read literally dozens of retirement books, and this is the most
constructive one yet!
One of the "problems" with retirement books is that many of the authors
are not retired. They pontificate about the psychology or the health
issues or the lifestyle without truly experiencing the challenges of a
retired life. They quote studies or surveys that have already been
thoroughly debunked by real retirees on Internet forums. I've been
retired for over 12 years and I can quickly spot an "advisor" who lacks
personal retirement experience.
Christine Sparacino neatly resolves this issue by interviewing over two
dozen happy, healthy, fulfilled, successful retirees. Their ages range
from their 50s to their 70s. Each person (or couple) has a passion that
they retired for, and they've become experts at their new lifestyle.
Some of them are coping with medical issues or old age, and they've
adapted to make the best of their activity. Most of them spend very
little money to enjoy their interests, and several of them generate
enough revenue from their creativity to more than pay for their
materials and equipment.
Ms. Sparacino adds information from websites,
reference books, and other resources to help you decide whether to
pursue these interests. You'll also find your inspiration for other
lifestyles and hobbies that are mentioned in passing.
The stories are not all rainbows and unicorns. Some retirees tried several
different activities to find the ones they love. Others are limited by
health or endurance and had to find ways to change or cut back. One
woman did extensive research on non-profit bards before she found a
match for her interests. Yet they've all found something that they
enjoy, and they know exactly what they want.
My readers worry about retirement and the question "But... what will I
do all day?!" Now they have plenty of answers to research
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