The Fake Stages of Retirement: Why ‘Slow-Go’ Is Really About Money — Not Age

You've probably heard the conventional wisdom about retirement stages: the “go-go” years right after you clock out, full of adventure and travel; then the “slow-go” phase where things wind down due to age and aches; and finally, the “no-go” period of quiet homebound days. It's a neat little narrative, peddled by financial planners and lifestyle gurus alike.

But what if I told you it's mostly a myth? That “slow-go” isn't about creaky knees or fading energy - it's usually just code for “didn't save enough”. Today, we're busting that myth wide open with hard data, real surveys, and some eye-opening figures.

Stick around, because if you save like you mean it, your 80s could look more like Ibiza than a rocking chair.

In my latest podcast episode you will learn:

• Why the traditional “Go-Go, Slow-Go, No-Go” retirement stages are largely a myth

• That retirees with strong finances and good health often keep travelling well into their 80s

• How average retirees see only a modest drop in travel spending between ages 75–84

• Why wealthier retirees typically maintain high travel spending with little slowdown

• That many retirees don’t save enough — making them vulnerable to even small cost increases

• Why reduced travel is usually caused by money concerns, not inevitable aging

• How financial stress shows up in every “stage” of retirement — including the so-called “No-Go” years

• Why overly conservative investing can reduce retirement income dramatically compared with growth portfolios

• How better financial planning can help you stay active, independent, and engaged longer