Al Conti - His Retirement Story

If you are a regular Messy Middlescence listener – you have by now met many members of the extended Conti family. In this episode you will meet Tina and Tara’s father, Al Conti.

Al went through middlescence some time ago (he is 81) but Tara and Tina found they often referred to their father as they discussed retirement – particularly in the previous Timeless Happiness episodes. They realized that their parents exemplify many of the lessons Tara shares and discusses in her Timeless Happiness classes.

By focusing on Al’s retirement story (their mother declined to be interviewed), many of the challenges and joys of retirement that have been theoretically discussed in the Timeless Happiness episodes are brought to life.

Al shares his wisdom and experiences to detail a retirement journey that, while still ongoing, has successfully moved through the different phases of retirement and overcome many of the typical issues. Through careful planning AND being open to some unexpected occurrences, Al and Tori created a retirement that fulfilled some of their lifelong dreams, reflects their values, and makes them happy.

Tina and Tara discuss with Al:

• His initial vision of retirement and how this changed;
• His and Tori’s dream of building/designing their own home;
• The importance of easing into a new home and community;
• The difficulties of downsizing;
• His decision to go back to work as a consultant 18 months after retiring;
• The importance of hobbies and staying busy;
• The motivation and planning behind their move into a Continuing Care Community;
• His words of wisdom including to be patient, accept that change (despite meticulous planning) is inevitable, and why he does not worry.