Smart Women Don't Retire -- They Break Free: From Working Full-Time to Living Full-Time
Rentsch, a founding member of the Transition Network (a national community of women over 50 considering retirement), has extensively interviewed women approaching retirement, finding that they do so differently than men; their planning often 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. --Mary Whaley