Walking into Retirement

‘Walking into Retirement’ explores the emotional, psychological, and practical realities of modern retirement through a series of reflective conversations undertaken while walking scenic routes across the UK. Retirement today is no longer a clear-cut ending to working life, and for many professionals, it is an uncertain transition marked by loss of identity, fear of stopping, questions of purpose, and the challenge of balancing enjoyment of life with planning for a (hopeful) long future. ‘Walking into Retirement’ will address this transition, head on, in a fresh and engaging way.  The authors will undertake a series of walks across the UK, coastal paths, countryside trails, and other familiar UK landscapes, and using walking as both a literal framework and a metaphor for change they will talk: honestly, humorously, and thoughtfully about what retirement now means, why it differs so much from previous generations, and how people can move into it deliberately rather than abruptly. They will share their similar and yet very different approaches and plans for this new period in their lives and speak openly about their hopes and their fears.  The walks themselves will also be outlined to paint a picture for the readers.