Post-work life can be energizing, exciting and fulfilling. Need proof? Here are 7 books about living well after retirement.
My dad just turned 67. A workhorse and successful real estate developer, he’s not shy about announcing his distaste of life after retirement after only two years in its clutches.
But when he was introduced to a book on life after retirement (see Purposeful Retirement by Hyrum W. Smith), things started to shift.
He found joy in areas he’d thought were too superfluous to spend his time on. Things like getting outdoors into nature, traveling to far flung places and learning the names of the flowers in his garden. I’ve even caught him reading books about mutual aid to support his philanthropic efforts.
You can find the same satisfaction in your retirement years, by checking out these 7 fantastic books on life after retirement:
1. 101 Fun Things To Do In Retirement
by Stella Reingold
As if reflecting how retirement life should be, this book is a fun, lighthearted guide that aims to take the fear out of life after work. It’s packed with creative ideas to help retirees discover hobbies, activities and adventures that don’t just fill the days but also fill your cup.
Whether it’s learning a new skill or getting back into an old hobby, it’s a playful nudge to turn retirement into a fulfilling and fun time of life.
2. What Will I Do All Day?: Wisdom To Get You Over Retirement
by Patrice Jenkins
Retirement is more than just quitting your job—it’s a major life change. What Will I Do All Day offers practical wisdom to help retirees find their footing, especially in the early days when adjusting can feel overwhelming.
It’s like a comforting conversation with a friend or old work colleague who’s been there, helping you design a meaningful daily life filled with purpose beyond work.
3. Purposeful Retirement
by Hyrum W. Smith
Smith’s approach in Purposeful Retirement is all about shifting your mindset. He encourages retirees to think of retirement not as an end but as a chance to find new purpose. Whether through volunteering, traveling or going after lifelong dreams, the book empowers readers to take charge and create a retirement that’s deeply fulfilling.
4. Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life
by James Hollis
For those struggling with the deeper, emotional aspects of retirement, you can’t go past Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life. With a hearty and authentic approach, this book dives into the psychological and spiritual sides of aging—something many in their twilights find hard to accept or even talk about.
Hollis helps you find meaning and face personal challenges that suddenly arise in this life stage. It’s a thoughtful read for anyone looking to make the most of the “second half” of their life journey.
5. What The Happiest Retirees Know
by Wes Moss
For the analytical types, What The Happiest Retirees Know uses a combo of research and real-life stories to show what separates happy retirees from those who struggle.
Moss breaks down habits and mindsets that lead to a happier, healthier and more financially secure retirement. It’s full of practical tips on how to thrive—not just survive—after leaving the workforce.
6. How To Retire and Not Die
by Gary Sirak
Sirak tackles the fear many retirees have: that without the structure of work, life will become aimless. By getting you to understand your Likes, Loves and Hates, How To Retire and Not Die is your guide book to a life after retirement filled with purpose, health and passion.
The key takeaway from this great book? Staying engaged in meaningful activities turns retirement into a time to truly live.
7. Don’t Retire, REWIRE!
by Jeri Sedlar and Rick Mine
This book flips the traditional view of retirement upside down. The title says it all, and its aim is to get you to “rewire” your thinking. After all, retirement can be an opportunity to reinvent yourself, pursue unique passions and get the blood flowing in your twilights.
Discover new career paths, find an exciting hobby, even volunteer somewhere out of your comfort zone. There’s a solution for your retirement woes that aligns with your interests, and the authors of Don’t Retire, REWIRE! will help you find it.