* Book Site reviews: Retire & Thrive by Robert K. Otterbourg (The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc.) 1999. Book reviews will be a regular feature, and we welcome your suggestions. They don't have be hot off the press either. Your library has many gems on conscious aging, retirement and related topics.

* In Media Watch, alerts you to information in general circulation newspapers and magazines or programming -- radio, TV and the Internet -- that deserves your attention and tell you where to find it. Also, shameless flaunting of 2young2retire.com press clippings.

* Potpourri is a random selection of brief items from other websites, magazines, books, conversations, emails from visitors like you. Also, Website Winners -- useful, inspiring or fun.

Look for True Story previews, changes in 2young2retire, information on Reinventing Retirement workshops and our speaking schedule. Help us keep our content fresh and relevant with your True Stories, emails, comments and suggestions.

BOOK SITE

Retire & Thrive, Robert K Otterbourg, The Kiplinger Washington Editors Inc., 1999. The title captures the essence of this well-researched and written book by an author who speaks from experience.

At 58, Robert Otterbourg began to take the steps that would ultimately transform him from public relations practitioner to freelance writer to book author. His own story is one illustration among many that retirement as we've known it, is an outdated concept, and that catching "a second wind" may prove the adventure of a lifetime.

In these pages, you'll meet author Charles Handy (The Age of Unreason) and the concept of the "portfolio career", a kind of renaissance approach to living that gives equal weight to paid work and free work, which includes tending to the family, volunteering and learning. You'll meet Olga Bloom, founder of Bargemusic, a chamber music venue located on a barge in New York City's East River, who has no intention of retiring. "It take as much energy doing things in retirement as it does to work," she says. "If you like your work, why retire?" You'll meet former executives, lawyers and teachers who have become actors, painters, mystery writers and entrepreneurs.

The book is also full of practical information to help you take stock of your own life and circumstances. Chapters help you to get ready to fill the 2,000 to 2,500 hours a year once claimed by a career, by examining the many opportunities open to the 50-plus generation: returning to school, volunteering, hobbies, starting over and even staying on, but with a difference. For Otterbourg and many of the remarkable people he profiles, answering the question, "What's next?" has literally been a life-transforming process.

Retire & Thrive does not cover the financial aspects of this phase of life in depth (nor does it intend to). But it includes many excellent references to other works that explore the subject more thoroughly. Whether you are a baby boomer contemplating the lengthening post-career years, or someone already engaged in one of life's most important transitions, this book has something for you. We recommend it! And look for a forthcoming True Story on Robert Otterbourg on 2young2retire.

Next review, The Virtues of Aging by Jimmy Carter

MEDIA WATCH

* Look for Seniority, a column on the approach and arrival of retirement penned by Fred Brock in The New York Times, appearing the first Sunday of each month. This month, Brock's thought on the issue of raising the retirement age to 70 for collecting full Social Security benefits.

* SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN FRONTIERS "Never Say Die" will air on Tuesday, January 25, 2000, at 8 p.m. ET on PBS, hosted by Alan Alda. In the not-so-distant future, we may all get to live a lot longer! Scientists' understanding of the aging process is growing at an astonishingly rapid pace. Already, humble lab animals like worms and fruit flies are living twice as long as nature normally allows, and there seems to be no reason why the same results cannot be achieved in humans. Soon it may be possible to grow spare body parts to replace hearts or joints that wear out. The real challenge? Fixing worn-out brains!

Following the show, viewers may visit this site to participate in a variety of show-related interactive activities -- including an opportunity to correspond with scientists who appeared on the show -- and find out more about the science of aging. Check out an informative website at www.pbs.org/saf/neversay.html

* www.2young2retire.com has appeared in the following mass media:

The Jersey Journal; The Star Ledger; The New York Times; The Chicago Tribune; Time-Warner Cable Channel 10 News

POTPOURRI

* We all know that a regular regime of brisk walking is great for the body, but a study conducted by the University of Illinois and reported in the journal Nature, says it gives the brain a great workout, too. In fact, vigorous walking sharpened both memory and judgement in the sample of 60-75 year-old participants.

* Babies do it. Pregnant women do it. Even Winston Churchill did it. We're talking about the afternoon nap. Now they are not just for the sleep-derived, according to a report from health writer, Jane Brody (New York Times). The fact is, we are programmed to need a brief rest about 8 hours into our day. A short nap -- about 20 minutes -- is a much better pick-me-up than a cup of coffee. Give it a try

* It's the economy, friends. Two trends worthy of your attention. According to AARP, older workers are suddenly in demand. A report quotes a Bureau of Labor Statistics survey that says 55+ jobless workers are finding new jobs faster than younger folks. Check out www.aarp.org/working_options for more info.

If you are one of the 50+ generation thinking about launching your own business, take heart. 2000 may be a "golden age" for the small entrepreneur, according to Thomas W.Malone, a professor of information systems at the Sloan School of Management at MIT. Thanks to the internet and communications technology, he anticipates an economy in which enterprises of between 1 and 10 people can succeed.

* Reinventing Retirement Teleclasses resume February 8. Contact coachowie@juno.com for details.