At SB2 last week, a crowd gathered early to get an answer to a big question: is retirement still retirement? We assembled some of the most knowledgeable people we know in their respective fields to get their perspective. The discussion covered financial and estate planning, employment opportunities for the aging, life expectancies and even universal design. Of all the issues discussed, the most important ideas for our region can be boiled down to this: If you can, work longer. The general population is living much longer and incurring more expenses. There should no longer be a "one size fits all" magic number to retirement. Meet with a professional and be clear about your expectations. As you age, utilize the resources available to maintain a high quality of life. Whether through facilities and organizations in our community, or embracing new technological advancements - take advantage of what's out there. Have a plan. Proper planning can save yourself (or your loved ones) a lot of headaches. When it comes to end of life, have your affairs in order so that you can live and enjoy the rest of your life. Get ready, we’re about to be front and center. The population of our area skews much older than the rest of the country. The way we accommodate the elderly and aging right now and in the very near future will be a guidepost to the rest of the country. In preparation, set best practices now. To find out more about what we learned and to view photos from the event, here.