Beyond Retirement

Reinventing yourself after retirement is an option we all have.  It doesn't need to be a flashy, public spectacle. It can be as simple as deciding you're going to start choosing YOU first for a change. Maybe you've always wanted to take a pottery class; well, now you can! Or maybe you have a book hiding inside you, clawing to get out. Now's the time! You don't need anyone's permission... just follow what makes your eyes light up and your heart sing.

In this candid conversation, Jacquie reconnects with friend and guest Robaire Nadeau, a seasoned professional who is choosing reinvention over retirement. Robaire shares what it means to return to university at "north of 60", why age shouldn't define what's possible, and how personal passion can become the compass for a new chapter of life. If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to start again, this conversation is a warm reminder that it's never too late to follow your curiosity, lean into your potential, and reimagine your future. Following his retirement from full-time legal practice, Robaire founded the Centre for Contextual Negotiation™, where his team teaches others to navigate complex conversations, not with tricks or tactics, but through deep listening, presence, and perspective-taking. He sees negotiation not as argument, but as the art of helping people get to the heart of what matters. In one of the episode's more unexpected twists, Robaire introduces his alter ego as a mentalist, someone who blends performance, psychology, and human insight. He describes his work as "Magic for the Intelligent Mind." This practice allows him to connect with people on an emotional and philosophical level, challenging assumptions and sparking curiosity. It's not about deception; it's about awakening awareness. If you're interested in having Robaire work his magic on your group, reach out to him at https://stateofmind.ca [https://stateofmind.ca/]

In this solo episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie reflects on the powerful insights from her recent conversation with cognitive scientist Dr. Therese Huston—and explores what they mean for life after work. Retirement isn't just a financial shift—it's a cognitive, social, and emotional transformation. Jacquie walks listeners through the science behind memory changes, crystallized intelligence, and the identity shift that often hits after leaving full-time work. She discusses why cognitive challenges, social connection, stress management, and focused attention are critical pillars of brain health in retirement—and how to cultivate them intentionally. From avoiding multitasking burnout to using meditation and green tea to protect your hippocampus, this episode is packed with practical tools and mindset shifts to help you thrive. Key Topics: * How identity and purpose shift after retirement * Why social interaction is a cognitive necessity, not a luxury * The dangers of retirement multitasking—and how to stay focused * Real ways to manage chronic stress for brain protection * The role of movement, mindfulness, and daily habits in long-term brain health Thought to Ponder: Are you structuring your retirement years for brain engagement, or letting distraction take the lead? Try This: Choose one activity this week that offers all three benefits: social connection, cognitive challenge, and joy.

Dr. Therese Huston discusses why cognitive changes in later life don't always signal decline and how to stay mentally strong with simple, science-backed strategies. Key Topics Covered: * The difference between normal memory lapses and concerning cognitive decline * How the brain actually gets better at certain things with age * Why "brain training" apps might not be as effective as you think, and what works better * The surprising link between movement and memory * How multitasking, stress, and  even retirement routines can cloud mental clarity * Daily strategies for staying sharp without overhauling your life * The emotional impact of memory concerns and how to manage that inner dialogue Action Steps: * Replace multitasking with focused, single-task attention once per day * Build a new memory-friendly habit around your existing routine (e.g., walking while reviewing your to-do  list) * Reframe "forgetting" as a cue to slow down, not as a failure * Grab your own copy of Sharp: 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science You can contact Dr. Huston via her website: https://theresehuston.com Don't forget to check out her new book, Best Brain Ever, hitting stores on December 2, 2025!

Do you know what makes YOU uniquely remarkable? If you do, you're probably in the minority of retirees, because most of us haven't spent much time thinking about our purpose in those terms. We can all describe what we did or what our job title was, but that doesn't make us unique. What you bring to the table each time you show up... THAT is what makes you YOU. Many people call this your "purpose". Whatever you choose to call it, this deep-seated knowledge gives you confidence and helps you make tough decisions... assuming you recognize it and let it guide you. Learning to recognize what makes you unique gives you a lot of advantages, including (but not limited to): * establishing your identity * reducing indecision in the face of choices * building confidence * improving communication  To help you figure out what your unique trait is, think about two significant accomplishments in your life, a personal one and a professional one, and try to identify what was present in those events. Did a talent show itself? What belief(s) can you identify related to the event's success? If you can find a talent, skill, or thread common to both accomplishments, that is a great starting point.