Here Are Six of My Favourite Newsletters to Help You Live the Happiest Retired Life Possible

Anne Garrels of National Public Radio works on her story from atop of U.S. Marine Base Fallujah November 14 2004 as U.S. and Iraqi forces advance their offensive in Fallujah against pockets of resistance (Photo by Scott Peterson/Getty Images)Getty Images
Idealistically speaking, five years is all it should take to prepare for retirement – and what lies beyond. My top ten tip for planning for this transition would be wisely using your time while working: seek role models and network with professionals as soon as your pay check arrives; explore various opportunities before retiring completely if need be; living your best retirement life does not depend on having lots of money or being brilliant but on making intentional choices about where and when you spend both.

Utilizing your time wisely means taking advantage of watching movies, reading books and subscribing to newsletters. I want to share a selection of my favorite newsletters that can provide up-to-date resources, content podcasts and questions regarding leaving one’s career – whether retired now or soon-to-be so these subscriptions may help prepare you for what lies ahead in life!

Chip Conley, co-founder and author of Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age (MEA), writes an excellent daily blog post for Modern Elder Academy that I read each morning in my inbox. Conley includes valuable insight on navigating mid-life and beyond through resources, quotes and wisdom gained through his life experiences he’s amassed over time at MEA library as well as inviting guest posts from different people with unique viewpoints he gathers through MEA library membership. I find him especially insightful on these subjects that include learning lessons learned along the way from other MEA members’ viewpoints!

Next Avenue is a nonprofit journalism website and newsletter produced by Twin Cities PBS that is focused on news and information relevant to people over 50. Articles are segmented into five main categories such as Health, Money & Policy, Work & Purpose, Living and Caregiving; providing valuable tips for retirement such as downsizing or decluttering! I find Next Avenue especially helpful and full of practical ideas on entering its next phase in life.

Curiosity Chronicle. If you are curious, this newsletter is tailored for you. Curiosity is my favorite word and Sahil Bloom, its author, is one of my smartest colleagues; his tagline reads, “actionable ideas to help build a high-performing, healthy and wealthy life”. Regardless of age or stage of life, his content remains applicable as Sahil covers learning, growth mindset development as well as life lessons – the secret ingredient necessary to making every momentous experience count in life! Curiosity truly is what drives me!

As part of my podcast “Becoming a Sage,” I interviewed Rob Walker, creator of this newsletter: The Art of Noticing. As both journalist and designer, his creative newsletter engages and stimulates curiosity – offering ideas to be present with what many might otherwise overlook, taking notice of small things others often take for granted, being vigilant with attention-getting measures now, starting a gratitude practice or celebrating everyday small victories! His ideas help encourage living grateful lives that enhance daily small wins!

Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper. Maria Shriver describes this newsletter as the home for living an “expressively meaningful life”. The focus is mainly on love, aging and service – plus personal essays on these themes by Maria herself as well as interviews with leading authorities discussing courage, curiosity, creativity self-discipline wisdom etc – plus I appreciate her use of poetry & quotes incorporated throughout it all!

Greater Good Magazine, from The Greater Good Science Center at University of California Berkeley. This center specializes in studying psychology, sociology and neuroscience related to well-being – specifically teaching skills that foster a thriving, resilient and compassionate society. Dacher Keltner serves as founding director and hosts their podcast The Science of Happiness; additionally she’s authoring Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and Its Effect on Transforming Lives (published by Random House in 2014). Providing vital resources for leading meaningful lives!
Since retirement is about self-discovery and life is about learning new things, my advice for living an enjoyable retirement life would be to explore various sources. When reading, thinking, and talking with others – remember: There is no right answer and one size does not fit all; life should be experienced on its own terms! Nike says it best: There is no finish line.