Maleny’s Prescription for Retirement

A Maleny Shedder who embarked on his retirement journey a few years ago, after a rewarding career in academia and health, has published a workbook to help others forge a good retirement. Dr John Barletta, a Clinical Psychologist, had worked professionally with individuals who struggled crafting a quality life after work. His “Wellbeing Workbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating a Healthy, Happy, Productive, Long Retirement” helps people plan a flourishing retirement that makes sense to them. As the Health and Wellbeing Officer at the Maleny Men’s Shed, John stays closely in touch with the various needs of retirees.

Practical, no-nonsense, and inspiring, John bases his work and life on specialised training, scientific research, clinical expertise, and lived experience, not crazy pop psychology. With a similar mindset, the workbook explores a range and variety of topics Shedders will find interesting and helpful, with experiential activities included.

John states; “Retirement is a challenge and a joy, but history, research, and experience shows us that when people make time to reflect, increase self-awareness, and consider certain information, life-changing things are accomplished. With the planning process in this evidence-based self-improvement workbook, ordinary people achieve extraordinary results. I hope every Shedder's retirement will be good, however hope is not a strategy.”

John, an avid amateur Blacksmith, provides a monthly article of interest to Maleny Shedders, conducts monthly health and wellbeing workshops for them on relevant topics, has guest visitors talk with the guys, and organises regular pub lunches for the Shed.

A grant from the national Department of Health and Aged Care’s National Shed Development Programme, administered by the Australian Men’s Shed Association, facilitated the publication of the workbook, and its first print run.

A free electronic (PDF) copy of the “Wellbeing Workbook” is available to Shedders everywhere. Download here.