This guide is well worth its weight in gold for anyone contemplating retirement or already retired. It also has a valuable place on the shelves of any general reference library and will be well used – in fact, staff might have to chain it down for fear that it might walk out the door! The author, Rosemary Brown, is the managing director of a consultancy firm, specialising, among other things, in retirement, and so she writes with experience.
The title of this book might confuse some, with its curious use of the negative words “non‐retirement” if they are looking for a book about retirement. However, the choice of title is deliberate: few people really “retire” in the true sense of the word these days. Instead, with better health, and at least 20‐30 years of life ahead of them, they are free to take up new interests, hire themselves out as consultants, cruise round the world, undertake voluntary work, e‐mail the grandchildren or whatever turns them on – the choice is limitless. They do not have to live in a large city to be able to indulge in any of these activities – the reader will discover that there are masses of things going on for the retired everywhere. For those in the UK countryside, the Women’s Institute, National Trust, Ramblers Association and Cyclists Touring Club are just a few of the organizations that provide amenities and events for members. Townies, on the other hand, can become friends of museums, art galleries and the opera, train as tourist guides, help in the local charity shop, or improve their IT skills. Many based at home, either in town or country, work as freelancers using their PC and a modem to connect to the outside world. No one has to be lonely or bored in retirement – there is far too much to do – and all without the stress of the modern workplace. For those who are not certain what to make of retirement there are pre‐retirement courses, details of which are contained within the pages of this excellent work.
However, retirement does usually mean being a little more careful with money and this volume is especially strong on financial matters. There are sections on money in general; pensions; tax; investment; financial advisors; and a useful budget planner. These are followed by sensible advice on “your home”, including a section on weighing up the pros and cons of moving house, tips for reducing energy bills, letting your home, housing benefit, council tax and all the other things which bedevil home owners of any age. A chapter follows on leisure activities, which include adult education and the Open University, and activities for the disabled.
For those who want to change their occupation at retirement, there is a well thought‐out chapter on starting your own business and looking for paid work. This covers, among other matters, taxation, National Insurance and employment legislation. The various options for employment for older people, whose skills are often highly valued, are explored. Ways of applying for work, including compiling a CV and marketing individual skills, are well covered. The voluntary sector is also well documented.
Health is a very important factor in retirement and there is plenty of sensible advice on keeping fit, eating well and accident prevention. Health insurance is discussed and the services of the National Health Service are described. There is a big section on holidays – every kind of interest and type of holidays are included, including those for single and disabled people. Climbing Everest might be out, but virtually everything else seems to be possible according to the author! Finally, caring for elderly parents and the distinct advantages of making a will are described in a sensible and non‐sentimental fashion. This includes information on widows pensions, dependent children, etc.
This guide is most helpful for the detailed explanations of tax, benefits, healthcare and the like. Its greatest value probably lies in the huge number of organizations, which are listed together with addresses and phone numbers. Also of immense value, is the comprehensive listing, in alphabetical order, of Web sites at the rear of the guide. The index will guide users to the relevant sections or organizations that they are seeking and is easy to use. To sum up, this guide is packed with advice to make retirement financially sound and fun and should be compulsory reading, not only for those contemplating or already retired, but for all good reference librarians who are bound to get asked numerous questions on this many faceted topic. Keep it within easy reach on the reference desk; it will repay its purchase price many times over!
