By Thelma Reese and Barbara M. Fleisher (2017 – Roman & Littlefield Publishers).
Following their 2013 book, The New Senior Woman, Reese and Fleisher, two retired college professors, tackled the sometimes thorny issue of how men successfully transition to life in retirement.
There are many things to love about this book.
First, there are thoughtful conversations with many men, from all walks of life, at various stages of their retirement journey woven into the book. These provide snippets of real-life case studies that paint a rich portrait of lived experience and wisdom. The reader comes away with a sense that each retirement is truly unique. However, there are some universal challenges that each man faces, primarily around identity and purpose. There’s a clear sense that despite the realities and challenges, many men are seizing the opportunities that this phase of life offers. These stories give concrete examples of men who are finding creative solutions and designs that work for them and align with their values and priorities. But there’s no sugar-coating in this book. The authors take on a myriad of tough issues head on and extract the lessons learned from the stories of various men’s experiences.
Second, this book has a wonderful sense of humor. The authors provide a look at the lighter side, while still addressing serious issues such as ageism. The humor provides a great balance and you come away with a sense that you are getting to know not only the characters who were interviewed, but the co-authors as well. There is sound information and useful tends highlighted in the book, but their personalities come through as well.
Third, it’s one of those books you read where you find yourself slapping your forehead saying “That is brilliant. Why haven’t I ever thought of that?” My favorite example is the title of Chapter One: Manning Up to Retirement.
I found this book to be very insightful and inspiring, while being firmly grounded and rooted in the stories and experiences of the men they profiled.
If you are a senior man, or hope to be one someday, this book is well worth your time. If you know a senior man, who is approaching retirement or is in retirement, this book would make a meaningful gift.
– Joe Casey
Joe Casey is an executive coach, who also helps people think through and create their Second Acts, at retirementwisdom.com