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Did he fall over or was it a fall?

DAS explains his personal sporting injury which becomes a surprisingly powerful moment of reflection. Rather than focusing on the fact that he fell, DAS reflects on how lucky he was not to be seriously injured and how the experience suddenly made life feel more immediate and precious.

The conversation challenges the idea that retirement should simply become another project built around purpose, goals, achievement and productivity. After decades of being conditioned to achieve, from school exams and career milestones to targets, deadlines and responsibilities, perhaps retirement is the first stage of life where achievement doesn't have to be the point.

And Peter helpfully reminds DAS that, in the words of Douglas Adams,   that the art of flying is falling over and managing to miss the ground. 

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In this episode, Peter and DAS, with their guest Jill, reflect on the power of roots, family, and what it means to move through life's transitions. From generations who were born, baptised and buried in the same village church to parents who left in search of new opportunities, the conversation explores how our backgrounds shape us.

They also discuss the experience of a well-planned retirement, the importance of preparing for the transition, and the unexpected feeling of becoming 'lighter' once work is left behind. 

It’s a thoughtful conversation about finding contentment, being comfortable with a slower pace of life, and embracing retirement as a natural new chapter. Along the way.

DAS jokes that Walking Into Retirement is really just 'cheap therapy', and perhaps there's more than a little truth in that.

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If every day is now like a Saturday where does the structure come from and is it important anyway?

Peter and DAS go for a walk, get lost, and discover the perfect metaphor for the state of elderescence.

They further explore the paradox - that when we are busy days feel long but years feel short, yet when, in retirement, days feel leisurely weeks can disappear because there are fewer memorable markers.

And reflect on the idea that memory is built on novelty.

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Three years after leaving corporate life, this episode reflects on the journey our guest, David, made taking back control and embracing the opportunity for continuous growth. 

It explores the power of defining how you want to feel rather than simply what you want to do, and how a simple coffee with a trusted friend (in this case DAS) can provide the perspective needed during times of change. 

The conversation concludes with the move into executive coaching, a role that brings together both personal freedom and lifelong learning.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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'.

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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.

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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.