The Four Pillars of a Fulfilling Retirement

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky 

Guest: Caroline Francis, EdS Director of UK Alumni Career Services

Season 8, Episode 12

Welcome to Talking FACS with host Mindy McCulley. In this episode Mindy talks with Caroline Francis, director of University of Kentucky Alumni Career Services, about the four pillars that research shows make retirement (and semi-retirement) healthier, more meaningful, and more sustainable.

Caroline outlines the four pillars—health and wellness, social and emotional connections (combating loneliness), lifelong learning, and work/purpose—and explains why each matters. She cites research like the Harvard Grant Study and examples such as Blue Zones to show how diet, movement, relationships, continued learning, and purposeful work support longevity and quality of life.

Listeners will hear practical tips for planning an intentional retirement:

• start healthy habits early
• prioritize close relationships and cross‑generational friendships
• explore local learning programs (OLLI, Donovan, community centers)
• consider encore careers or volunteer roles

Caroline also highlights UK Alumni Career Services (membership benefits include coaching sessions) and resources available to help with the non‑financial sides of retirement.

For more information visit the UK Alumni Association:

Website

Facebook

Job Club

Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS.

Kentucky Extension Offices

UK FCS Extension

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