Retire Right

The first scientifically backed guide to a happy, fulfilling retirement.

Over the years, Dr. Fritz Fraunfelder and Dr. Jim Gilbaugh have seen thousands of their patients respond differently to the challenges of retirement: some rose to new heights; others hit new lows. The doctors began to wonder: How do some people maintain their vitality, interests, and zest for life in retirement while others became distant, even depressed? Is there a magic formula for retiring well? To find the answer, they designed a comprehensive study involving more than one thousand patients. The results were surprising but clear. Financial planning is not as important to a fulfilling retirement as many may think—the psychological experience is just as crucial. The happiest retirees shared eight key traits; all of them were able to:

plan ahead

maintain a positive attitude

accept change

lean on their support network

have a sense of purpose

keep a healthy lifestyle

engage in leisure activities

enjoy some expression of spirituality