5 Books to Redefine Your Retirement

Retirement used to be about slowing down.

But now it’s more about purposing-up.  

After years of structure, purpose, and productivity, many retirees find themselves asking:

• Who am I now? 

• What do I do with this time? 

• What does a good life look like from here?

The best way to begin answering them might be from the wisdom shared in a book. 

Here are 5 books to explore the emotional, spiritual and existential side of retirement:

1. From Age-ing to Sage-ing by Zalman Schachter-Shalomi

This book redefines aging from a period of decline to a period of awakening. 

Schachter-Shalomi introduces the idea of spiritual eldering, which is a process of reviewing your life, healing old wounds and emerging as a mentor to others on their journey. 

Instead of being defined by your career, step up into a deeper sense of purpose. 

Don’t wind down. Wake up.

2. The Grace in Aging by Kathleen Dowling Singh

What happens when we stop our daily grind?

Dowling Singh, a hospice worker and Buddhist practitioner, explores how not having structure in retirement can trigger anxiety and fear but she offers a spiritual framework to hold that space with grace. 

Even though we are presented with physical challenges, she offers a profound path through them.

“Aging is an ideal condition to deepen the spiritual life - if we choose to see it that way”

3. Being Mortal by Atul Gawande

Dr. Gawande, a practicing surgeon, brings a compassionate look at how modern medicine often misses the mark on what matters most in our final years:

• Autonomy

• Meaning

• Comfort. 

With a combination of real stories and reflection, he challenges our assumptions and invites us to consider how we want to live our last moments.

Peace of mind doesn’t happen through avoidance but planning with care. 

4. On the Brink of Everything by Parker J. Palmer

Written in his 80s, Palmer reflects on what it means to age and how to keep your spirit and emotions in check while your body breaks down. 

He explores themes of grief, purpose, creativity and what it means to live a truthful life. 

“Old is just another word for nothing left to prove.”

Learn how to grow inward, even when life simplifies outward. 

5. The Five Invitations by Frank Ostaseski

Frank Ostaseski spent decades beside the dying and discovered how to live in the now. 

Retirement is the time to welcome peace, not fear and that living intentionally is the way to go.

Each chapter explores themes like:

• Don’t wait

• Bring your whole self

• Find rest in the middle of things. 

“Live your life as if you’re dying - because you are.” 

But retirement planning is more than money. It’s about learning how to:

• let go

• listen more deeply

• reconnect with what truly matters.

If you’ve been thinking “There must be more to this” then maybe there is.

Do you need help redefining your retirement?

​​Join us for our next in-person seminar to explore how a well-built plan can help lift not only your finances but your purpose. 

Register here

This commentary is intended to provide general information and should not be construed as advice, since individual circumstances may vary. David Popowich and Faisal Karmali are Investment Advisors with CIBC Wood Gundy in Calgary. The views of David Popowich, Faisal Karmali, and guest author do not necessarily reflect those of CIBC World Markets Inc. This information, including any opinion, is based on various sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. CIBC Private Wealth consists of services provided by CIBC and certain of its subsidiaries, including CIBC Wood Gundy, a division of CIBC World Markets Inc.