Every day, thousands of people turn sixty-five – some feel excitement, some feel scared, most feel both. While many may still work, raise children or pursue their career goals, most of these pressures are fading into the past. People realize that they will likely live for decades longer and are starting to have serious questions. If you are in this situation, you may be asking yourself: • What am I going to do with my time? • Will I have enough money to enjoy my life? • What can I do to stay healthy? Drawing on years of research, interviews and analysis, Tom Wilson gives you what you need to address these questions, and many more. Real-life insights bring the research findings to life and the step-by-step guides help you create a Master Plan based on your needs, wants and circumstances. From finances to relationships to developing a new sense of identity, this comprehensive guide to retirement will help you prepare for and enjoy this exciting next stage of life. A management consultant turns his attention to “managing” retirement. In this well-researched, intelligently written book, Wilson (Innovative Reward Systems for the Changing Workplace, 2002, etc.) suggests to retirees, “This is the only time left where you may be able to make choices about where, how, who and why you want to live your life.” The author first calls upon other credible sources to present his interpretation of “the ten stages that define a lifetime,” a perceptive if not entirely original take on the cradle-to-grave life cycle. This opening establishes a platform for the remainder of the book, which concentrates chapter by chapter on big later-in-life issues, including time, money, relationships, and health. Wilson cites studies and draws on personal interviews he conducted to address each subject with authority in a nonjudgmental way. A key point is that “living a purposeful life, one where you are engaged and feel a sense of importance for how you spend your time, leads to remarkable value for you.” In chapters that are instructive and engaging, Wilson walks readers through content that, for some, could provoke much self-examination. For example, in the chapter “Who Are You Going to Be?” 10 different lifestyle models are defined and described; whether describing a “Traveler, Explorer, Adventurer,” or a “Volunteer/Social Activist/One Who Gives Back,” these models should serve to help people nearing retirement critically evaluate their own skills, passions, and desires. One of the book’s strengths is its core message that people should develop their own “master plan” to enjoy a fruitful retirement. Having neatly woven together the previous chapters, Wilson uses the end of the book to guide the reader through a cleverly designed, step-by-step interactive process that culminates in a personalized master plan. The process requires considerable time and thought, answering questions and completing various forms, but those who make a serious effort are sure to be rewarded. Wilson is keenly aware that retirement can create anxiety and uncertainty; his writing exudes sensitivity and understanding, and he is realistic yet encouraging in his wise counsel. A pragmatic, structured approach to carefully planning for retirement As a nationally recognized author and management consultant, Tom Wilson is a master problem-solver, synthesizer and communicator. His career has focused on taking complex information and making it simple to understand and to act upon. As he began entering his "Next Stage," he decided to see what it was like and how to make it purposeful and fulfilling. Tom is the author of three books and over 30 articles and book chapters. He has a Master's Degree in business and enjoys conducting special research on trends, best practices and new discoveries. He has used these skills to create a book that helps the reader understand and focus one's life in new directions as they enter their retirement years. Tom has presented his works to groups throughout the world. He enjoys engaging with his audience, presenting new perspectives to complex challenges, and sharing interesting stories. If you would like Tom to present and engage your group, contact him at the address below: Tom@MyNextStage.org www.MyNextStage.org