Whether you’re already retired, considering it soon, or just curious about what lies ahead, this episode will leave you feeling supported, inspired, and maybe even a little understood.

Welcome to another episode of "Aging In Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale"! In today’s conversation, I welcome bestselling author Tom Marks, whose latest book, "Coming of Age in Retirement: An Advertising Executive Story of Enlightenment and Revelation," is making waves across multiple categories—from aging to mental health.

Join us as Tom Marks shares his candid journey from a high-powered advertising executive to navigating the often-overlooked emotional challenges of retirement. In this episode, he opens up about the unexpected struggles that come with leaving behind a decades-long career, the myths perpetuated by advertising about what retirement “should” look like, and the power of letting go and finding individuality in this new phase of life.

Tom and I have a heartwarming and honest discussion about the realities of aging, why financial planning is just one small piece of the puzzle, and how embracing gratitude and self-discovery can lead to genuine happiness.

Hear practical wisdom, personal stories, and a fresh perspective on finding your own path of happiness in retirement.

Moments

00:00 "Aging Insights with Tom Marks"

05:37 "Peaceful Retiree Transition Project"

08:46 "Escaping the Hamster Wheel"

11:53 Ageism in Advertising Exposed

16:39 "Individuality in Senior Demographics"

19:35 Struggling with Retirement Identity

24:35 Letting Go of Lifelong Sprint

25:45 "Gratitude Meditation for Joy"

30:40 "Apology and Gratitude: Award Speech"

33:10 "Life After Work Reflections"

Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone thinking about life after their career:

• Retirement is an emotional transition, not just a financial one. Tom Marks shared that even with decades of financial planning, he felt lost after leaving the business he had built for over 40 years. Emotional preparation matters!
• Happiness comes from the path itself, not chasing it. Inspired by a Buddha quote (“There is no path to happiness. Happiness is the path.”), Tom Marks realized fulfillment isn’t about chasing goals, but appreciating what’s in front of you—like family, nature, and the small joys each day.
• Individuality matters in retirement. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, despite what advertising and society might suggest. What works for one person won’t necessarily work for another. Tom Marks encourages everyone to find their own “path of happiness,” whatever that looks like.

Email me, Lisa Stockdale, anytime at [email protected]

Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale is sponsored by HomeCaire. We believe every patient should get the personalized care they need, in the way they want it. Every caregiver should feel supported, valued, and motivated. We see each person as their own entity, with unique needs, desires, and skills. Our goal is to best support our family as they reach new milestones.

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Copyright 2025 Lisa Stockdale

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Thanks for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale, sponsored by HomeCaire of Ohio. We added an "i" to care because we care about the individual. That includes the individual caregiver and the individual client. From each caregiver's caseload to every client's care plan, we understand that individual preferences and priorities matter. People matter; we haven't lost sight of that here at HomeCaire of Ohio. If you or someone you know needs personal care at home, call 419-458-3000 to learn.