Canada’s Baby Boomers will redefine the concept of retirement with ambitious plans for their golden years, according to author Patricia Lovett-Reid.

Lovett-Reid’s latest book, Live Well, Retire Well: Strategies for a Rich Life and a Richer Retirement, was launched today.

In her book, Lovett-Reid attempts to simplify retirement planning by offering a four-step guide that begins with visualizing one’s retirement lifestyle, bringing one’s plan to life, making a smooth transition to retirement and leaving a lasting legacy.

The book was inspired by a TD Waterhouse poll that found a significant gap between investors’ attitudes towards retirement planning and their financial goals. According to the poll’s findings, two-thirds of Canadians aged 18-69 were not stressed about investing for retirement, despite the fact that nearly half had never calculated how much they would need to retire comfortably.

“Boomers see retirement as an exciting new chapter of their lives, but too many aren’t taking the steps to make it happen,” says Lovett-Reid. “When it comes to retirement planning, none of us can afford a wait and see approach. We need to act.”

Her book takes a holistic approach to retirement planning, incorporating advice from tax and insurance specialists, lawyers, psychologists and estate planners.

Worksheets and checklists help readers determine their financial acumen, visualize their retirement, calculate net worth, and optimize RRSP and RESP contributions.

She says the book sends an important message to those thinking about retirement and those who have already taken the plunge: “Having a good financial plan in place frees you up to focus on the things that give your life more meaning and balance. There’s a lot of life left and it’s time to enjoy it,” advises Lovett-Reid.

Live Well Retire Well is published by Key Porter Books and is available for $24.95 plus taxes.