Lessons for Retirement Success

CHRISTINE Benz is director of personal finance and retirement planning for Morningstar and author of How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement (see a related podcast at Morningstar .​com).

- JANET BODNAR

Benz devotes a chapter each to advice from 20 specialists in all aspects of retirement, from social and healthy living to income, investing and taxes. I spoke with Benz about highlights from her book.

One key point in your book is that social relationships are the most powerful predictors of longevitymore critical than even genetics or wealth.

That's why it's important to be thoughtful about maintaining and growing your relationships. Your social networks naturally winnow down as you age, but that's not necessarily bad. Just put yourself in situations where you can have contact with a variety of people and age groups, from visiting kids and grandkids to volunteering or attending church activities. Stay in touch with faraway friends, even if it's a phone call once a month. Exercise is good for both your health and your social relationships, so walking outside with a friend ticks a lot of boxes.