A generation of women who led the way in breaking gender barriers in their careers is now serving as role models for transitioning from full-time work to “something else.”

The book, Thriving in Retirement: Lessons from Baby Boomer Women,  by Anne C. Coon and Judith Ann Feuerherm, explores the attitudes and strategies that have worked for 25 women who were engaged and successful in their careers and who are now involved in the transition to the next phase. Few had actually retired when first interviewed for the book, but they were beginning to imagine and plan.   

What they wanted was to “repurpose” their skills and experience life in interesting new ways.  Over the course of the next year, according to a Forbes.com article by Kerry Hannon, who reviewed the book, “Some chose to retire due to changes in their profession and in the nature of the work, such as dwindling opportunities for them. Others saw colleagues retiring, or needed to devote more time caring for a spouse or for aging parents. It was important, they felt, to maintain a vibrant social network and spend time with younger people in retirement.”

A year later, when they were interviewed again, they had made the transition, adjusted to certain issues such as a loss of identity and loss of routine, and “every single woman was in a very positive and moving forward period.”

They were staying vital and focused in retirement by doing what they enjoyed most during the best part of their career: Being creative, being engaged with others and being valued and seen as vital, with their contributions being recognized. In other words: thriving.

Not everyone thrives as they move on from their full-time work though, which may explain why one-third of retirees eventually reconsider retirement and return to work. Although, it’s worth noting that some percentage of these folks returning to work are doing so for final reasons. Nevertheless, here are three tips to avoid becoming a bored boomer:

1. Organize old photos: Remembering your past will take you back to a time when you felt strong and energetic. Looking through old videos and pictures may revive your dreams of the past and spark some new goals and ambitions in your life. Think about what you loved to do as a kid and see if that passion still lives inside you, now that you finally have ample time to pursue it.
2. Keep a healthy social circle: Being lonely will certainly lead to boredom, so reach out to friends and family or meet new ones. Consider joining a golf club, fitness center, or find activities and communities for retirees.
3. Start a business. Your career may be over, but your knowledge and experience are still valuable. You don’t need to invest time or money or even hire employees. Retired boomers are flourishing with lifestyle businesses like consulting, career counseling, becoming an author, and even coaching.

If you're still looking for inspiration, then stop what you're doing and start reading, Thriving in Retirement: Lessons from Baby Boomer Women!