“Downsize as you get older, and [only] purchase what you require for your lifestyle.” Nanette, 61, Caise Aide
“Do things you can afford to do but don't scrimp. Enjoy retirement. Believe me, it's great.” John, 62, retired member and former lineman for hydro
“Act early – travel when you are healthy and plan to do what you are really passionate about.” Sue, 53, retired member and former Firefighter.
“Take it slowly. Don't jump right into buying that big RV to go south for the winter. Be sure that what you want, you really like in the long haul.” Jim, 72, retired member and former Assistant Superintendent.
"Try a lot of activities, curling, working out, travelling and just enjoying your retirement. Take on little part time jobs, do whatever makes you happy." Earl, 54, retired Police Sargeant
"Prepare for the huge change in lifestyle once you are lucky enough to retire, don't be caught off guard. Find other interests to make your brain ready, don't get caught in the trench of the 'job is my life.' Spend more time with your family and let them know your thoughts as you approach that lucky day when you can say goodbye to work." William, 46, Police Constable
"Keep fit, keep in touch with family, stay involved with old friends and make new ones." Mags, 62, retired member and former Police Officer
"Take at least a year after retiring and rediscover yourself, family and friends and try to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life." Barry, 56, retired member and former Manager
"Leave work while you still like it. [It's] harder to do, but important in later years to have fond memories about your co-workers and workplace." Brian, 58, retired member and former Police Superintendent
"Get real with yourself. Know what kind of person you are. Talk to your partner and your friends and your doctor. Really try to get an honest picture of your lifestyle. This will help you to figure out if you can afford to retire and if you could be happy without the routine that employment imposes on your life. Think about all the things you really like about working, and all the things you like about being at home. Then think about the things you don't like in either place. How do you handle your free time? What hobbies have you developed over the years? What interests do you have? How would you incorporate them into your life if you were retired?" Ruth, 58, retired member and former Early Childhood Educator
"Be aware that retirement means redefining much of who you are. Learn to define yourself in ways other than by your employment skills, training or status. If you weren't working for your employer, who would you be? Also, plan to join clubs, volunteer your time or take part in other activities to provide social interaction outside your home." Wayne, 51, retired member and former Engineering Technologist