Both Mr. Thompson and Ms. Kimball give new meaning to the word retirement, but they're certainly not alone in their pursuits. More and more retirees are packing their days full of activities once only dreamed of. Many begin new careers and hobbies or return to school. Others continue with their former careers, though at reduced pay or through volunteer work. Whatever the label, the latest crop of retirees, living longer, healthier lives, is not ready to completely withdraw from the work force.
Work is seen as discretionary rather than mandatory.
And they like that. Such an attitude, experts say, is likely to extend to aging baby boomers, the oldest of whom is about to turn 52. Mr. Madden, in his early 50s, would like to scale down his own work load in another five years, study anthropology and travel. He says it's the desire of many of his clients to be financially secure enough to also spend their advancing years in active, fruitful endeavors. Achieving that goal comfortably usually takes years of financial planning and diligent investing.