The Next Chapter

Insights, reflections, and stories about reinventing retirement — from the team behind LivOn.

Small town, big transition — why retiring somewhere quiet isn’t always peaceful
Amanda Forsyth Amanda Forsyth

Small town, big transition — why retiring somewhere quiet isn’t always peaceful

Many people dream of retiring to a quieter town — somewhere slower, cheaper, or closer to family. But what happens when the move feels more isolating than peaceful? In this post, we explore the often-overlooked emotional and social challenges of retiring to a new place, and offer real, practical advice for rebuilding connection and belonging when everything feels unfamiliar.

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Volunteering isn’t the answer for everyone
Amanda Forsyth Amanda Forsyth

Volunteering isn’t the answer for everyone

Volunteering is often treated as the obvious solution for finding purpose in retirement. And for some, it really is a fulfilling path. But it’s not for everyone. In this post, we explore why volunteering doesn’t always fit — whether it’s due to health, energy, personality, or simply lack of interest — and we offer thoughtful alternatives for people who want meaning without obligation. If traditional volunteer roles don’t feel quite right for you, this blog is here to help you reframe what purpose can look like.

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When you miss being needed
Amanda Forsyth Amanda Forsyth

When you miss being needed

After decades of being counted on — by your team, your kids, your community — retirement can bring an unexpected void: nobody needs you in the same way anymore. In this blog, we explore that quiet ache of not being needed, why it hits harder than people expect, and how to find new forms of meaning and value when the roles you once held no longer define your days. If you’re feeling adrift without the pull of responsibility, this one’s for you.

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Who are you without the job title or the parent hat?
Amanda Forsyth Amanda Forsyth

Who are you without the job title or the parent hat?

Retirement often means saying goodbye to the roles that defined you — parent, professional, provider. But when those identities fade, many are left wondering: who am I now? This post explores the quiet identity shift that comes with retirement, and how getting to know your personality can help you rediscover joy and purpose in this new chapter.

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When retirement chooses you — the quiet reality of involuntary retirement
Amanda Forsyth Amanda Forsyth

When retirement chooses you — the quiet reality of involuntary retirement

Not everyone retires by choice. For many, retirement arrives unexpectedly — through redundancy, ageism, or shifting job markets — leaving little time to prepare emotionally. In this post, we explore the quiet reality of involuntary retirement, and why it deserves more attention, support, and compassion.

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From data to dancing — Christine’s return to herself
Amanda Forsyth Amanda Forsyth

From data to dancing — Christine’s return to herself

After decades in finance, Christine struggled to feel alive in retirement — until a spontaneous dance class helped her reconnect with long-dormant parts of herself. Her story is a reminder that joy often starts with curiosity, not a plan.

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Why finding purpose doesn’t mean changing the world
Amanda Forsyth Amanda Forsyth

Why finding purpose doesn’t mean changing the world

We often treat “purpose” as something grand and public — but in retirement, purpose can be quiet, personal, and deeply fulfilling. This post explores how small daily choices can lead to a meaningful, aligned life after work.

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Why we’re building LivOn
Amanda Forsyth Amanda Forsyth

Why we’re building LivOn

Retirement isn't just about finances — it's a shift in identity, routine, and purpose. Inspired by my own family's experience, we're building LivOn to support the personal side of retirement that often goes overlooked.

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