When I retired, I genuinely believed I wouldn’t go back to work again. I imagined a more relaxed lifestyle — being my own boss, setting my own hours, and deciding each day what I wanted (and didn’t want) to do.

That part mostly worked… although my wife seemed to believe that once I retired, she was my boss. That part may still be under negotiation😄.

When I got the call to go back to work, I asked my wife if when the contract ends in a year if she will throw me another retirement party. She said no, however, I will continue to wear my Retirement hat below which is one of my favorite hats.

My other favorite hat is my "Grandfather" hat which I got for Christmas as I have a grand daughter coming in May and a grand son coming in August.

I am always wearing one or the other hat.😄

One thing I didn’t miss about working was meetings. For over 40 years, work often meant doing the actual work — and then spending more time talking about the work.

Since retiring, I simply did what needed to be done and moved on to the next task. No meetings, no extra layers. I still don’t like meetings at all..

I am also 100% remote like I was prior to retiring – I wouldn’t have went back if it involved even commuting 1 day a week as I did that for 40 years and I wouldn’t want to go through it again.

When the opportunity came up, it checked a few important boxes for me:

One unexpected benefit of returning to work has been the sense of accomplishment. While retired, I enjoyed working on my website, but that feeling of “I contributed something today” came only occasionally. Being back at work gave me that feeling more consistently.

Another thing I didn’t realize I missed was interaction. During retirement, it wasn’t unusual for me to go most of the day without really talking to anyone. Now, I interact with people throughout the day — conversations, collaboration, problem-solving — and that has been surprisingly energizing.

It also meant a lot that my company asked me to come back. That felt good. It’s nice to know your experience still matters. That said, working now isn’t exactly the same as it was before.

Years ago, when I worked remotely, I had my two beagles with me every day. They slept nearby while I worked, and the smaller one would sit next to me in my recliner. During my retirement, we lost both of them — one at 13 and the other at 14. Coming back to work without them around felt strange the first few days, and honestly, still does..

I’ve also discovered something else: my skin has gotten thinner — literally. Back then, I could sit and work for hours without thinking twice. Now, after a couple of hours, my body reminds me that it’s time to stand up and move. It’s a good reminder to take breaks, stretch, and not ignore what my body is telling me..

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Coming out of retirement wasn’t something I planned — but it’s something I’ve approached differently this time. With more awareness. Better balance. And a stronger focus on health, fitness, and longevity.

That focus is also what drives the work I’m doing outside of my job — sharing what I’m learning, what works, what doesn’t, and how we can all aim for a healthier, more independent life as we get older.

This is the next chapter. And I’m glad I didn’t close the book too early.

Longevity is a Lifestyle, Not a Program

Like Scandinavian countries, Sardinia shows that healthy aging is not about chasing trends. It’s about environments and routines that quietly support the body over time.

👉 To explore other cultures known for aging well, read Healthy Aging Lessons From Scandinavian Lifestyle Design

👉 To explore how daily environments and habits contribute to aging well, read the following

👉 Check out the Sardinia and Blue Zones article on my Shopify Blog

Sardinia and Blue Zones

We at Healthy Retirement Strategies focus on practical daily approaches to staying healthy by eating well, working out consistently ( Rucking and Weight Lifting ), and maintaining a positive focus on life.

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new health regime, especially if you have existing medical conditions or are taking medications. Visit Healthy Retirement Strategies for more tips on living your healthiest life at any age.