I have noticed there are a lot of ways to retire. It seems that big company retirees are more likely to take a full retirement. Of course my findings are based on my experience in Vero Beach, Florida, where retirees self select by moving here. And I have noticed that young people dream about an early retirement, something I find hard to understand. People like me are not interested in a full retirement. We have too much left to do and enjoy what we are doing. I have been taking little pieces of retirement along the way.
I remember interviewing John Gardner for a film project and he became animated telling me about his new venture and latest book. He was well into his 80's at the time. Russ Ackoff is near 90 and continues speaking, writing and consulting. W. Edwards Demming and Peter Druker were active into their 90's. I met Mrs. Druker last year at a conference in Sydney honoring Peters work. She made a keynote address, served on panels and attended every session. She was 96. Francis Hesslebein was at that conference also and had a full speaking schedule. She doesn't talk about her age but conventional wisdom places her at 93. And then there is my daughters father in law. He accepted a two year appointment to conduct for the Japanese Symphony when he was 82. He recently renewed that appointment.
So while some of my neighbors in Vero wonder about my sanity when I they discover I have just launched a new business and have a full speaking and writing schedule I simply respond, "Hey, I'm only 66." I will stay productive as long as my health allows me to do so. Retirement is for young people.
