Easing the way into retirement

Most of us happily anticipate retirement. Even if we enjoy our jobs, it's likely we're looking forward to escaping workplace stresses and being able to instead have the free time to do the things we really enjoy.

But despite the fact that retirement can bring a number of positives, many people find the reality of retirement to be challenging and even frightening. Leaving that job usually brings not only financial changes, but also some very real lifestyle changes.

It usually means less contact, or totally losing touch, with those former colleagues you saw every day. You may feel like there's l...