When most people think about retirement, they imagine leaving a job they dislike, dropping out of the rat race and turning their back on the pressures of employment. They often see retirement as a welcome change or an escape to something more peaceful and serene.However, retiring is not only about giving up your job and spending your days relaxing: it's also about entering one of the most exciting and challenging stages of life. Retirement can be a time to draw upon your personal and professional experiences to open new doors of opportunity and education. It can be a time to realize your potential and accomplish significant goals that you delayed because of the responsibilities of working and raising a family.The opportunities in retirement are endless; however, a successful retirement doesn't come without its hurdles. There are many considerations such as living on a reduced income, creating a health and wellness strategy, examining relationships with family and friends, allocating personal time, establishing living arrangements, adopting and adapting to different social roles and adjusting to the eventual death of a partner, friends and family members.

Richard (Rick) Atkinson is founder and president of RA Retirement Advisors, specializing in retirement planning. He is the author of the best-seller, Don't Just Retire - Live It, Love It! and the popular workbook, The First Step. He and his wife, Christine, have 4 children, 8 grandchildren and live in Toronto.

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