GUEST SPEAKER: Rhodes Donald - Life after Farming

 

Rhodes talked about the two years interviewing retired farming couples and farm advisers. After 30 interviews , he decided to publish his research, in a book called, Life After Farming. He very generously brought several copies of his book for members. The study was to be about other things, softer things, not who got the farm or even how the farming couple would pay for their lifestyle in retirement. He was more interested in how the couples coped with the transition to life after farming: emotionally, physically and spiritually. How did they spend their time? What was important to them now? What did they do well? What didn't go so well? What did the future hold? 

During the interview process, Rhodes could tell that the couples enjoyed telling their stories and the feedback he received was that, talking things through was fun and also got them thinking.

In summary, Rhodes concluded that the retirees were pro-active about maintaining good health, that they could see that developing their social sides and relationships was important and that re-kindling relationships with their spouse was a good thing especially sharing interests and talking! There were other important considerations about preparing for retirement, BUT you will have to read the book to find out!