Smart Women Don't Retire - They Break Free

May 1, 2008
Whereas parents before aspired to the ideal of completely escaping the work world for a warmer climate, baby boomers are developing new models for their "golden years." Public relations professional Rentsch is a founding member of the Transition Network, a national organization for women focused on retirement transition issues. Drawing on research and interviews, she explores a range of topics, from preparing for and deciding when to retire to overcoming self-defeating stereotypes about aging women and uplifting ideas about a meaningful retirement. Each chapter presents frank discussions, inventories and checklists, and case studies of real women's lives. Interpersonal topics like coordinating retirement with a spouse and cultivating friendships as one ages are also covered. The book concludes with a rich listing of web-based resources as well as books and articles on retirement issues. Most useful for women who are financially able to choose retirement options, this insightful book reinforces the idea that retirement can be transformative and even "cool." Public libraries catering to active retirees would do well to purchase.Antoinette Brinkman, M.L.S., Evansville, IN

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2008
Rentsch, a founding member of the Transition Network (a national community of women over50 considering retirement), has extensively interviewed women approaching retirement, finding that they dosodifferently than men;their planningoften leads to reflection and reassessment of who they are and what they want to do. Baby boomer women gained unprecedented recognition in their careers, with greater choices than earlier generations of women, and they will reshape the concept of retirement. Women may continue to work or find other ways to stay sharp and involved, intellectually and emotionally at the top of their game. Although our culture worships youth, the author views boomers large numbers as a source of power, and each individual will choose to be "an old fussbudget or youthful and vibrant." Rentsch acknowledges that health plays an important role in retirement years, as do economic limitations and family demands. Nevertheless, retirement choices are available for many women, and this thoughtful, well-researched book will inspire a broad range of library patrons.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)