Retirement is one of the biggest life changes we face. And it's been transformed since our parents retired into a period of exciting opportunities for personal growth and development. Retirement has been revolutionised. It's no longer seen as a decline into old age, but a vibrant new stage of life with infinite possibilities for personal fulfilment and renewed energy. This generation wants to seize the hour, but are keen for guidance on making the most of retirement. Every year another 600,000 people in the UK reach retirement age. 60 somethings are fitter and healthier than ever before. They can expect at least another 20 years of healthy, active life.

But too many people struggle with the adjustment, and it can have a negative impact on their physical and mental health. Research by the Institute of Economic Affairs found that retired people are 40% more likely to suffer from depression and 60% more likely to have a diagnosed physical condition. For couples the transition brings added challenges, as the soaring 'silver divorce' rate indicated. A recent study found that marital conflict peaked while marital satisfaction plummeted after couples gave up work. So while on paper its great news that we're living longer, healthier lives, with endless opportunities for fulfilment in retirement, the reality is that many people simply feel overwhelmed by choice and the pressure of expectation. The latest research shows that successful retirement is all about attitude. This book inspires readers to nurture a positive attitude to life beyond work and take control of their future. In it men and women share their very different experiences, from unexpected pleasures to disastrous mistakes, successes, failures and how they might do things differently.

They speak from the heart about the issues that will face us all: how they've dealt with loss of status and routine, found new meaning, reinvented their relationships.