This former exec was busier than she expected after retiring. ‘I could do yoga and swim on the same day’

In Tales from the Golden Age, retirees talk about their spending, savings and whether life after work is what they expected. For more articles in this series, click here.

Heather Gordon, 73, Toronto

I retired in 2015 at the age of 61 after a 40-year career in finance. Early in my career, I worked in different roles in cable television and telecommunications. For the last 12 years or so, I worked as chief administrative officer at the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research.

I assumed I would work until at least 65, but a series of events at home led to my retirement, including my mother passing away. My husband wasn’t ready to retire, but I felt I had achieved what I wanted in my career. Our finances worked in our favour, so I decided it was time to stop working.

My first year of retirement was busier than I expected. I was amazed I could do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. It felt a little disorienting because I had been so disciplined when I was working. I remember thinking I could do yoga and swim on the same day.

At first, I wore myself out and got injured because I was so excited I didn’t have to choose. Eventually, I established a routine for exercise and managing the household. I also took up painting. I’m terrible, but I like my teacher and the idea of having a paintbrush in my hand.

We have a cottage we go to year-round and my husband and I also travel a few times a year. Last year, we biked through Vietnam and went to Europe. A highlight of the past decade was the opportunity to live in New Zealand for two years, a long-held dream my husband and I shared.

I was financially prepared for retirement. I’ve been investing since the start of my career, including participating in an employee share purchase plan at one company in my mid-20s and investing in a registered retirement savings plan from my early 20s until I turned 50.

At the age of 50, I joined a defined-benefit pension plan with an employer in the non-profit sector. Also, my early investment strategy was relatively aggressive and became more conservative as I got closer to retirement. My husband and I have always used a financial advisor and have been with the same advisor for more than 30 years.

The greatest joy I’ve had since retiring has been becoming a grandmother, spending time with my daughter and helping her with her children. I also enjoy the freedom to exercise and have appointments on my own timetable. I feel less rushed and I can enjoy the fresh air more.

I do miss the casual interactions I had with colleagues and employees while working. I also miss mentoring. I’ve been able to mitigate this somewhat through volunteer activities, including serving as a volunteer treasurer and spending more time in the community. In retirement, you have to make an effort to stay socially engaged.

My advice for others is to focus on health and relationships in retirement. I think too much emphasis is on the financial resources. Of course, you need savings to live on, but I’ve informally helped many people with their financial planning and they’ve adapted. Don’t get hung up on having a big number before retirement. It usually works out.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

Attention retirees! Are you a Canadian retiree interested in discussing what life is like now that you’ve stopped working? The Globe is seeking participants for its Tales from the Golden Age feature, which examines the personal and financial realities of retirement. If you’re interested in being interviewed for this feature and agree to use your full name and have a photo taken, please e-mail us at: goldenageglobe@gmail.com. Please include a few details about how you saved and invested for retirement, and about how you spend your time. We look forward to sharing your story with our readers.