Pablo Casals was one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. A cellist, conductor, composer, humanitarian, and freedom fighter he said, “to retire is to die”.
When I studied Taekwondo some time ago, I learned that the most powerful way to punch something was to aim one foot past the point of contact

I recently had a conversation with one of my past clients. She was sharing this story of her friend who was recently retired without his position. This gentleman’s story is not unique – in fact it’s beginning to feel more like a trend. An unwelcome and unproductive trend that makes little to no sense when we consider the demographic destiny that is just around the corner.

All generations should be considered in workplace planning. The construct of retirement was really designed for a population that had an abundance of younger folk and far few older ones. Well, we already know that’s not the case today. If nothing is done to create age-diverse work-places, a great deal of talent and experience will exit, many without choosing to do so

Welcome 2024! Each year I encourage my clients to choose a “theme” or word that can act as their northern star for the year. A thought that can act as a filter while we move through the many decisions made day to day.

Every generation lives longer than the one that came before – we are all aware of this. What we don’t seem prepared for though is the decades between the end of work and the end of life. This is prompting many people – either by choice or by necessity – to extend their working lives

Within a single generation the concept of retirement has been changed forever. For some of you, your parents may have held a handful of jobs in their careers. They might have even been employed by a single company for decades before retirement became inevitable.

Once upon a time……
There was a man named Frank. He was 68 and had spent the last 30+ years working for a company he was enormously proud to be a part of. Over the past three or four years, others in the company would make comments in passing; things like “So, Frank, when are you planning on winding down?” or “Frank, you must be getting close to wanting to retire.”

What do jumbo shrimp, seriously funny, awfully good, controlled chaos, act naturally and freezer burn have in common? They, like the term “anti-aging” are oxymorons. Figures of speech that combine contradictory or opposing words or ideas to create unique expressions. A simple way to convey complex idea in a memorable way.

I was recently speaking at an event and had the most fascinating conversation with a gentleman who was considered a “Blocker” by his employer and was asked to retire. And I use the word “asked” very loosely here.

Right now, it’s more important than ever to address the issues and opportunities that surround the culture of retirement planning. We know from the latest science, research, polls and conversations with clients that making the decision to retire is difficult and stressful. In fact, retirement is one of the top 10 most stressful events in a person’s life

It’s time to eliminate mandatory RRIF withdrawals!

We are all familiar with RRSPs (Registered Retirement Savings Plans) and many of us know they must be wound up by the end of the year in which you turn 71. RRSPs are then converted to RRIFs (Registered Retirement Income Funds). Our illustrious government requires us to begin to withdraw a minimum amount each year from our RRIFs and the percentage required to withdraw increases annually.

I thought I might change things up a bit and inject a little humor into “aging”. Here are some things that have crossed my mind in the past few months that could be considered perks:

• Kidnappers are not interested in me.
• People offer to carry things for me, and I accept.
• In any hostage situation I’m pretty sure I would be released first.
• I get a 20% discount at my local drug store on Tuesdays.

There are many people who count down the days until they are free from commutes, bosses, meetings, paperwork, obnoxious coworkers and difficult customers. They look forward to a life that does not involve an alarm clock and where leisurely mornings before going to the gym are the new normal. Modern day retirement can also be a scary prospect for some. For some work is a job, a pay cheque. For others if provides meaning and purpose

We’ve been doing a lot of research here at The Experience Group over the past couple of years.
Do you remember back in 2012 when Stephen Harper proposed raising the age of eligibility for OAS from 65 – 67? He suggested the changes be phased in from 2023 to 2029. Then our current Prime Minister…

Get your motor runnin'
Head out on the highway
Looking for adventure
In whatever comes our way (Steppenwolf)

Baby Boomers were born to be wild and by all estimations our retirement will be even wilder, as we pioneer a new perspective.

I was shopping earlier this week and while trying on a few items a lovely young girl who was helping me said, “you look good for your age”. I paused for a moment and wondered if this was an unintentional backhanded compiment or did she even realize what she was saying.

Is this really problematic? Maybe, I’m overreacting but a few thoughts have crossed my mind since.

I recently read an article in what I thought was a reputable publication until I saw this heading.
“Outdated Things Boomers Always Keep and Use”.

The writer actually suggested that as time marches on and technology continues to grow that we, the Boomers, like to hang on to the “relics” of the past. Apparently, we have a penchant for hanging on to the familiar. I would suggest that each generation does the same in their own way. The author said they are a reminder of “simpler time”. Well, if all of this isn’t ageist enough, here are some of the items we relics are holding on to.

Older workers aren’t lame ducks or relics. All across the globe, populations are skewing much older than in the past. Today, a reasonably healthy 65 year old can expect to live into their 90’s and in just a few short years 25% of the workforce may be 55 and older. Some choose to continue to work and others keep working because they can’t earn enough in a 40 year career to support themselves if they live into their 90’s. This longevity is not a problem but an opportunity for companies who are willing to change.

Within a single generation the concept of retirement has been changed forever. For some of you, your parents may have held a handful of jobs in their careers. They might have even employed by a single company for decades before retirement became inevitable.

In those cases, there would have been some kind of party celebrating their efforts, a few gifts and handshakes exchanged before they left the building for the last time and woke up on Monday morning ready to ………

Today in Canada, more than one in five working adults are nearing retirement. Clearly this will, and is, creating significant challenges for our workforce – a workforce that is now older than it has ever been. The implications are obvious and certainly one factor contributing to our labour shortages.