Paths to Creative Retirement

Typically, the 30-35 participants are professionals, couples and singles in their 50s and 60s who are still pursuing a career. A small number have already retired or scaled back their work life, but they want to reassess their options. At least one-fourth of participants tell us they need a way to jump start their retirement planning process and that, for them, going away to focus specifically on planning their transition is essential.

The fee includes three light breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners, workshop materials and workshop activities. Lodging is a separate expense with a wide range of options available. The workshop is conducted at the Reuter Center, an attractive classroom and conference center-type building located on UNC Asheville’s campus. Many hotels, motels and B&Bs are located 5-15 minutes by car from the Reuter Center. There are no hotels within walking distance of the Reuter Center; therefore, most participants use their own vehicle or rent a car for the weekend.

Paths is an important investment of time and money. Participants have made it abundantly clear that they are seeking solid information, an exciting and inviting group of peers with whom to share insights, a well organized and well run program, and a helpful workshop framework that will ensure they are asking the right questions. Participants generally welcome a creative, highly interactive environment that is unpretentious. They like the fact that the workshop is conducted by a university-based program, with no products for sale, and with attendees from around the country. Participants tell us that the workshop either helps them confirm and refine a plan already partly formed, or that it motivates them to feel less anxious about the changes ahead. Again, Paths is mainly about lifestyle issues; financial issues are explored in terms of values, attitudes and self-awareness.

OLLI’s professional staff and its cadre of trained facilitators (who are OLLI members) combine their knowledge of research and practical experience relevant to the changes and choices people face as they make retirement decisions. The work of over two decades in offering workshops on how to successfully navigate the uncertain waters of senior career development, personal rejuvenation, relationship enhancement and other life goals makes our team uniquely experienced and well informed.

Takeaways vary depending on the individual or couple’s starting point and their openness during the workshop sessions. Past participants tell us that as a result of attending the workshop, they feel less anxious and more excited about planning their next steps. They are delighted to have found a group of fellow participants with whom they can exchange ideas and practical information. For many couples, the workshop enables them to more easily share their individual expectations and goals for retirement-related decision-making (including extending their working years).

The workshops are led by small teams of trained facilitators that include OLLI Executive Director Catherine Frank, Ph.D. Other facilitators are members of OLLI with backgrounds in business consulting, business ownership, education and facilitation. More than providing you with answers, these talented facilitators aim to guide you to find your own answers and solutions.

Both programs address mid- and later-life transition issues. Paths is about the personal transition to a meaningful retirement, including timing, identity, relationships and, for some, relocation. Not everyone who attends Paths is thinking about relocating; those who are considering relocating often see it as one of many factors in planning their meaningful retirement.

CREW is specifically all about relocating in retirement; everything is seen through the lens of relocation. CREW is for people who perhaps feel that relocation defines their retirement planning.