text: how to prepare for retirement? i am now 55yrs old dear sir, this is a very deep question! there are so many ways in which you can prepare yourself -   1. finances - make sure your finances are strong so that even after retirement you are able to maintain the same standard of living. make sure you will be economically stable and independent even after retirement. this means - invest wisely!  2. emotionally - here you won't have to do much; the moment you retire, it is like the final homecoming for you. from then on, you will become an indispensible part of the house just like the doors, windows and your wife have been all these years. yes, you have been in the same family all these years, but from now on, you'll be more into the family than into anything else.  3. socially - start gathering contacts of all your friends since childhood. once you retire you will have lot of time, when you can visit them all and refresh friendships which will make you feel socially secure.  4. something for your wife - i would suggest that you start learning household chores! :d i know most indian men hate to work at home. but think - after all these years you are finally getting retired from work - freedom! but for your wife? she will have no difference in her work. in fact, she'll have greater work to do just cos you are at home! so make yourself available for simple, small things at home. it is not feminine to work at home! unfortunately many indians consider household chores as work for the females. it is not so! moreover, it is one way of avoiding boredom.  5. something for yourself - start feeling happy! you are going to enter second childhood! a time when you can do anything with no one to question you! i assume most of your responsibilities of life would be over by now or will soon be over. so you'll be a free bird - free to do anything you want! so start getting involved in all your old forgotten hobbies - singing, stamp collecting, reading, writing, etc etc! you may also plan to start visiting places. try to travel around - pilgrimages or simply fun trips! and if your financial position allows it, do go abroad somewhere (like singapore) with your wife.  you've worked hard the whole of your life for others; spend the last part for yourself. it's your life! live it to the fullest!