From its inception with the passing of the 1935 Social Security act much of what we believe about retirement was strongly influenced by a well thought out marketing program created initially by the Federal Government and quickly followed by the insurance industry. Suicide rates, especially among men, have been on the rise for the recently retired yet nearly all of the support and discussion revolves around finances and insurance. As a society that works long hours and takes little vacation time we are ill prepared for the abrupt social and emotional changes that come to identity, ego and purpose. Who will you become when you no longer are who you have always been? This session is intended to pull back the curtain on the mythology that surrounds what may be one of life's more significant transitions. I then focus on key elements that will have a direct and immediate positive impact on our quality of life including physical, emotional and social well-being. Finally the focus shifts to discussing practical and actionable tools that one can begin incorporating into their lives to begin implementing changes which will ease the otherwise abrupt transition to retirement.