This week we talk about the secrets to success in retirement. It's particularly poignant for couples approaching retirement together, knowing it's a really individual journey to rediscover yourself. 

Joanna Nell is a doctor, an advocate for positive ageing and the author of five best-selling novels. Her latest book, 'Mrs. Winterbottom Takes a Gap Year', is a heartwarming exploration of mismatched expectations in your Prime Time years and early retirement, and living life in the moment. 

In episode 11 of Prime Time, Bec Wilson and Joanna Nell discuss: 

• Joanna breaks down the idea and role of a ‘retirement gap year’, which can be a real time of reinvention, between one phase of life and the next.
• We talk about her bestselling book, but also about the lessons in preparing for and transitioning to retirement. The characters are both extraordinarily relatable to those going through retirement right now. 
• Embracing the Greek mythology of Homer and The Odyssey. The Odyssey is a story of great adventure but also of homecoming, and it's exciting to see this built out differently, around a female character. 
• The concept of retiring on a specific date, rather formally, expecting to never work again, and the resulting problems. 
• The reality of mismatching perceptions of retirement within couples and how that can play havoc as both people traverse their own retirement journeys. Mrs Winterbottom takes a gap year is packed with relatable observations about couples, marriage and the individual journey to rediscover yourself in early retirement. 
• Solo travelling - even if you’re married - is garnering a lot greater popularity. We talk about how it can feel uncomfortable, but also how wonderful it can be.
• Re-exploring your own sense of identity is a huge part of this book’s narrative. It also points politely to the expectations from loved ones that are different to the expectation they might have for themselves. 
• Joanna’s very personal journey of transition and transformation from being a GP to becoming a bestselling author in her 50s, and finding things that she is really passionate about. 

Buy your own copy of ‘Mrs Winterbottom Takes a Gap Year’ via Booktopia. 

Prime Time with Bec Wilson is the podcast for all of us in the second half of life (47+) who want to live long, live well, and thoroughly enjoy it. Together we’ll dive deep into what will make this phase of life great, with insights from experts and pioneers. We talk about money, health, happiness, relationships, sex, travel and so much more. After all, there are no set rules for navigating this second half for our modern generations. 

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Get in touch with Bec here: [email protected]

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Or read her syndicated column in Nine Newspapers (The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age) each week here

Nearing retirement? 

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Get Bec Wilson’s bestselling book How to Have an Epic Retirement to learn about the six pillars of an epic retirement as you approach and prepare for your future retirement years. Now available - order here

Visit Bec’s website at epicretirement.com.au to learn more about her work. 

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