
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
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.

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.

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.

When your friends retire on different budgets — the unspoken divide
Retiring with friends can be joyful — until money gets in the way. This post explores the quiet tension that can arise when financial realities diverge in retirement, and why honest conversations about budgets can make all the difference.

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.

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.
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.

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.

The surprising psychology of retirement — and why it feels so hard
Leaving work can feel freeing, but also disorienting. In this post, we explore the psychological impact of retirement and why self-awareness — not just staying busy — is the real key to feeling fulfilled.

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.