Registration now open for Purposeful Retirement online book club

BROOKINGS, S.D. – Registration is open for the Purposeful Retirement Online Book Club, hosted by South Dakota State University Extension and North Dakota State University Extension. 

Participants will engage in thoughtful discussions centered around the book “Purposeful Retirement: How to Bring Happiness and Meaning to Your Retirement” by Hyrum W. Smith.

The book club will meet online via Zoom every other week for six sessions, beginning Sept. 3, 2025, at 10 a.m. CDT / 9 a.m. MT. Scheduled meeting dates include Sept. 3 and 17, Oct. 1, 15 and 29 and Nov. 12. 

It is free to attend, but registration is required. To register, visit the SDSU Extension Events page and search “retirement”. Space is limited and registration will close on Aug. 29. Each participant will need to get a copy of the book.

“This book club allows attendees to reflect on what matters most and how their retirement can reflect their goals and values,” said Leacey Brown, SDSU Extension Gerontology Field Specialist. “We’ve had attendees of all ages participate—it’s incredible how much we learn from each other through discussion.”

Each session will feature guided group discussions that encourage participants to explore their personal attitudes and beliefs about retirement, deepen their understanding of how purpose enhances health and wellness and identify strategies to align their goals and values with retirement planning.

A 2024 participant said participating in the book club helped them relate to others and their own retirement in a new way. 

“This was very good. Points came to my attention that I really hadn't thought of before the reading and discussions. Lots of common feelings from others in and about retirement,” they wrote. 

For more information, contact Leacey Brown, SDSU Extension Gerontology Field Specialist.