AARP Roadmap for the Rest of Your Life: Smart Choices About Money, Health, Work, Lifestyle ... and Pursuing Your Dreams

by Bart Astor, Gail Sheehy (Foreword)

WASHINGTON POST Bestseller List 3/30/14Solid solutions and step-by-step instructions for planning the next stage of your life

Life after 50 isn’t what it used to be. The rules have changed. No more guaranteed pensions, retiree health plans, or extensive leisure and travel. It’s time to forge new paths and create innovative models. That’s where the AARP Roadmap for the Rest of Your Life comes in. Bart Astor, author of more than a dozen books, offers a comprehensive guide for making lifestyle decisions, growing your nest egg, and realizing your goals. This AARP book—

Provides guidance on the key areas you’ll need to finances and work, health and fitness, Medicare and Social Security, estate planning, insurance, housing, and more Offers expert tips on creating age- and health-specific goals through a personal “Level of Activity” scale based on how active you can and want to be Includes tips for finding fun and fulfilling activities and even completing your bucket list   Supplies ready-to-use worksheets to help you set and meet financial planning goals, get your legal affairs in order, and maintain adequate health insurance Contains a comprehensive list of valuable resources

Genres: Self Help, Personal Finance

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Jay French · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another read in my collection of books on retirement. This is about what you'd expect, similar to others, not bad for beginners. As in most of these books, the suggestions leaned to getting expert advice on finances, wills, etc. I did find a couple of lists outstanding, though. There is a list of topics to talk about with your parents (or vice versa) concerning dealing with end of life decisions. And a listing of the kinds of information you need to provide to your executors to make things easier when the time comes.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone approaching the later stages of my career, I found AARP Roadmap for the Rest of Your Life by Bart Astor to be both practical and encouraging. The book doesn’t just throw generic advice at you, it breaks down the key aspects of life after 50 in a clear, step-by-step way, covering finances, health, housing, and even lifestyle goals.

I especially appreciated the “Level of Activity” scale, which helps you set goals that are realistic for your own energy and lifestyle. The worksheets are a big plus too, they made it easier to take actionable steps instead of just reading and feeling overwhelmed. Astor balances serious topics like Medicare, Social Security, and estate planning with encouragement to pursue passions, hobbies, and even travel.

What I liked most is that it’s not preachy. Astor writes with an understanding that life after 50 is different now, but that doesn’t mean it’s limiting. The book gave me confidence that thoughtful planning can help me not only protect what I’ve worked for but also explore new opportunities I hadn’t considered before.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide to navigating midlife and beyond, this book is a solid companion. It’s practical, honest, and gives you tools to make your next chapter fulfilling.

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who’s been navigating retirement planning for the past few years, this book is a gem. Bart Astor lays out the complex world of finances, Social Security, and Medicare in a way that’s practical and approachable. I loved the worksheets, they make applying the advice immediately possible rather than just theoretical. I particularly appreciated the sections on balancing lifestyle and financial goals; it’s easy to forget that retirement isn’t just about money, it’s about living your best life. AARP Roadmap isn’t just a guide, it’s a roadmap, and I’ll be referring to it for years.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not usually into retirement books, but this one grabbed me. Astor approaches life after 50 as a time to grow, explore, and redefine yourself, not just to slow down. I liked that he balances finances, health, and personal fulfillment in a single volume. The worksheets were incredibly helpful for turning concepts into action. Whether you’re still working, semi-retired, or fully retired, there’s practical advice here that applies. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to feel in control of their next chapter.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and very useful.

Well organized, thoughtful, and personable. There are lots of useful checklist. I found myself highlighting text and bookmarking every few pages. This is the book you'll want to refer to when it's time to make plans and get things done. There's more than just facts though; the author keeps it personal and from the heart, and that keeps it interesting.

[Grace Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually focus on books that address health and fitness, and I was pleasantly surprised by how comprehensive this guide is. Bart Astor doesn’t just touch on exercise; he connects physical health with financial and social wellbeing, which is something most books overlook. The practical tips for staying active, even if your body isn’t what it used to be, were a big takeaway for me. Elissa recommended this book to me, and I’m glad she did, it’s already helping me rethink my goals and priorities.

[Maya Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book combines so much valuable advice in one place that it’s hard not to appreciate it. I loved the chapters on pursuing dreams and bucket list planning, it reminded me that retirement can be an exciting chapter, not just a wind-down. The resources section is excellent; I’ve already bookmarked several references. I picked it up because Elissa mentioned it in our book group, and I can see why she thought it would resonate, it’s practical, motivational, and clear.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The financial and legal advice in this book is solid and detailed. I particularly appreciated the sections on Medicare, Social Security, and estate planning, they’re often glossed over in other books. That said, some advice felt very U.S.-centric, which is fine for domestic readers but a bit limiting for international readers. Overall, though, it’s a thorough guide for anyone entering the next phase of life and trying to make smart, informed decisions.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical advice

[Ola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! The author's sense of humor is very apparent as he takes us through a number of areas we should consider before retirement - many of which are not addressed by other authors. For us (yes, my husband has read parts of this book as well), the most valuable area was when he went through the process of determining where we are on the "activity scale". As we have experienced personally in the last 3 years, our health and hence our activity level and our goals, can drastically change. It bears thinking through what we want, if we are capable of getting there, and if so, how. Evaluating how we spend our time is crucial as he points out. Also, some of his other topics are equally helpful - downsizing, insurance costs, budgeting, end-of-life paperwork, etc.

All in all, a very helpful book and presented in a very easy to read and understand format.

Highly recommended.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read so much about retirement. This book is nothing new. If you are just thinking about retirement, this book might be for you. The one thought I agree on was keeping friends with people you use to work with. It doesn't really happen. so sad but it's the truth. Tried some of the webpages--not what i expected.

[Malin Friess · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not sure how this book ended up on my backpack. When I got to the chapter with 9 steps to picking out a hearing aid I realized I was reading the wrong book. Mabye I'll revisit this book in 30 years when I'm eating the early bird breakfast at Denny's and looking at my Medicaid Part D plan brochure from AARP.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was very helpful - even though I have been doing lots of reading and speaking with friends etc and doing research on retirement decisions. Even as a lawyer there are lots of details to consider, and this sets out lists that are very useful if one chooses to use them. I skipped parts that were not necessary but learned about things I was not aware of, like 'ethical wills'.

[Sally Fouhse · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really simplistic and obvious. I was hoping to learn more than I did. Maybe I already know a lot about all this getting older and retirement stuff, but I was disappointed to not receive flashes of wisdom from this book. The title really grabbed me, but the content disappointed.

[Bill Guinee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent advice and suggestions about how to get more information. Even deals with the yucky stuff like wills, probate, long term care, etc. This will be a handy reference for years to come, hopefully.

[Sue Klasing · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few good tips but some of the advice was not that great.

[Bill Monaco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and helpful