In this episode, during a hot sunny walk along the beautiful river Wye at Symonds Yat, Peter and DAS explore community.

We are, after all, social creatures and the value of community through work is something other guests on the podcast has spoken to. But what happens when that 'work' community ends and what do you replace it with in life?

DAS accuses Peter of being a social 'loiterer' and Peter enjoys the walk even though he was expecting to just be in a pub.

By land and by boat the dynamic duo walk, talk and enjoy.

Exploring, with their guest, Dave Achtemichuk, the long glide path to the point of actual retirement.

Peter shares some more statistics and DAS compliments his old boss on his golf handicap.

But more importantly the conversation explores the idea that it doesn't have to be a hard stop at the 'R' point (or cliff edge) but it can be instead a gradual reduction in the work side of the work/life balance that offers opportunity.

A model that our guest recommends.

This episode, with a very flat walk along the Oxford canal and river Thames, chosen by Peter, is very much about Peter and his personal experience of the whole elderescence world.

Echoing many of the lessons from earlier podcast guests but with it now a personal reality in a time-rich but focus-poor state and with no real plans beyond the 'R' point (and Peter decides it must be called) DAS offers up some thoughts and encouragement.

The heart of which is that 'experience becomes more valuable than energy at some point' and, actually, this is a relatively open canvas for a new future.

And DAS learns what is a train and what is a canal boat.

After a busy, perhaps pressurised, work life then retirement can be seen as the perfect solution.

But what drives so many people to return to work, or some form of work?

Peter and DAS are joined by their latest guest, Dean Stockwell, who talks about the positives and some negatives of retirement and what drew him to returning to the workplace, albeit in a very different role.

The main motivations for such a return are discussed including financial (very common), social contact/enjoyment, metal health improvement and the opportunity to 'give back'.

Whilst ascending a physical and metaphorical mountain DAS and Peter discuss the many benefits of a future state of retirement that can strengthen relationships by allowing more quality time with family, friends, and community.

They also explore creating space for improved wellbeing, thereby giving people more time to focus on physical health, mental relaxation, and activities that genuinely bring joy.

And discuss the freedom to explore new interests or revisit old passions, whether that’s travel, hobbies, learning, or volunteering, all of which can lead to a stronger sense of purpose and happiness.

And Peter chooses the next walk, which will be flat.

For many people their career is a big part of how they define themselves, so what happens when that 'identity' through work is no longer there?

DAS and Peter are joined by Sadie Wackett to explore this topic as part of the ongoing elderescence journey.

Retirement is not just a financial transition but it is also an identity transition - often the hardest part of this whole 'retirement' business is actually the fear of losing who you thought that you were.

In their usual style DAS and Peter, and Sadie, consider what this means and how anyone might better manage this change.

Exploring why stopping can be more difficult than expected when on the cusp of retirement.

With a backdrop of the wonderful Cotswold landscape and Broadway, and with metaphors galore, Peter and DAS discuss what makes 'stopping' challenging and what is 'lost' when it comes to crossing that retirement bridge.

But also, what is to be gained as well when on the other side.

All this with a bonus of some really cute lambs.

They say that life is what happens to you whilst you are busy making other plans and in this episode, our first guest podcast, Sally MacQueen joins Peter and DAS to discussion the impact of when retirement is more forced upon you rather something you planned.

The loss of purpose, the loss of identity, and moving through the grieving process are all covered with honesty and a certain degree of rawness.

Also we discuss the disappearance of a key social community and potential isolation when your primary purpose is removed unexpectedly.

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans" is a famous quote often attributed to John Lennon in his 1980 song "Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)". It highlights that life is unpredictable, unfolding in the present moment rather than according to future goals or schedules.