“Retirement can come too early for many people who want and are able to remain active,” says the website for the 4,000 some-odd Probus clubs worldwide. The clubs are for men and women who’ve retired from their business or profession, and want to stay active in retirement and maintain a social network with other retired businesspeople.

When planning Meaford Haven, we realized that an active retirement doesn’t always mean pursuits such as boating or golfing or skiing or jogging or cycling or skydiving or gardening. Some people want to share the experience and expertise they’ve earned in their working life during their retirement.

A business club, we thought. Why not?

Well, the next step was to the put the idea to the people who are interested in living at Meaford Haven.

Our virtual focus group on a retiree’s business club at Meaford Haven tells us that in every 10 people, one or two have had enough of the working life, and do want to engage in new active pursuits during retirement. The rest generally think it’s a great idea.

A few of their comments:

“I think lots of small businesses/services would appreciate the advice and labour of retirees who might have experience in their field.”
“Not ready for the rocking chair – hope never!”
“Having a small job and being useful to people would be rewarding to me.”

Here’s the the complete report.