Living a Healthy Retirement With Nancy Schwartz
Retirement often brings to mind images of long vacations, morning tee times, and well-deserved rest after decades of hard work. But for many, that initial thrill fades fast—and they’re left wondering: Now what?
To help unpack this important transition, I recently sat down with Nancy Schwartz, Founder and Principal of Envision Healthy Retirement. Nancy helps executives and business owners design a vision for retirement that emphasizes health, personal growth, and legacy—not just financial freedom.
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Nancy’s Story
Nancy’s journey to coaching wasn’t a straight line. After a 40-year career as a high-performing corporate executive, she found herself facing a harsh truth: she was burned out, sleep-deprived, and unwell. Like many professionals, she pushed herself to the limit and assumed health would take care of itself.
“I searched for programs on how to transition into retirement,” she told me, “but they were all tactical, not strategic. I needed something deeper, something that addressed my health, identity, and purpose.”
Her answer? Five years of intense self-education from global experts in health, aging, and longevity. The result was a new belief system—and eventually, a coaching business—to help others make the transition with intention and clarity.
Why Sleep Is a Cornerstone of Healthy Aging
One of the biggest revelations in Nancy’s journey was the importance of sleep. “I used to think I didn’t need sleep,” she admitted. “But it turns out, I was wrong. The science is undeniable—quality sleep affects everything from brain function to immune health.”
She now coaches clients on developing consistent sleep routines and respecting their body’s natural rhythms. “Sleep isn’t a luxury,” she said. “It’s a pillar of health.”
Redefining Purpose After Retirement
Retirement isn’t just a change in routine; it’s a change in identity. Many people don’t realize how tightly their sense of self is tied to their careers—until that chapter ends.
Nancy shared, “People think they’ll retire and play golf every day. That works for a few months, maybe a year. But eventually, most people want more. They want to feel useful, to contribute, to matter.”
Her coaching focuses on helping people rediscover their purpose—often in the form of mentorship, community involvement, or new creative ventures. “The secret sauce to longevity,” Nancy says, “is finding a passion that’s bigger than you.”
From ‘Doing’ to ‘Being’: A Mindset Shift
Letting go of a career doesn’t just free up your calendar—it demands a mindset shift. “When you’re no longer defined by your job title, you have to ask: who am I now? What do I value? What kind of impact do I want to make?”
This shift can be unsettling, especially for high achievers who are used to being the expert. Nancy encourages her clients to embrace being beginners again. “It’s like writing on a white page,” she said. “All options are on the table. You just have to stay curious and keep trying.”
Click here to listen to this week’s episode on:
Break Down the FERS Retirement System For Federal Employees
The Power of Structure and Accountability
Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you should toss out your calendar. In fact, Nancy says scheduling is more important than ever. “Time is a non-renewable resource. Block it. Protect it. Use it with intention.”
She also recommends building in accountability, whether that’s hiring a trainer, joining a group, or just having a walking buddy. “You need structure to thrive,” she explained. “Even in retirement.”
Nancy’s Programs: From Planning to Purpose
Nancy offers two main programs through Envision Healthy Retirement:
A Self-Guided Mini Course – A short, accessible program that covers key topics like personal planning, health, and mindset. Ideal for those just beginning to explore retirement with intention.
A 12-Week Signature Program – This is her deeper dive. Through weekly one-on-one Zoom sessions, clients explore personal growth, health, time management, relationships, and legacy. “Half of it is about health,” Nancy said, “and the other half is about retirement planning from a lifestyle perspective.”
She also touches on non-financial essentials like healthcare proxies, living wills, and building multi-generational community support systems.
Final Thoughts: Retirement Isn’t the End—It’s a Beginning
Nancy’s message is clear: retirement is more than a destination; it’s a dynamic new phase of life. It’s a chance to rewrite your story, to explore new passions, to invest in your health, and to build a meaningful legacy.
And if you’re six months or six years away from retirement, now is the perfect time to start asking the right questions: What do I want my days to look like? How will I take care of my body and mind? How can I make the most of this next chapter?
Nancy summed it up perfectly: “Movement toward something different is always movement in the right direction.”
If you have a question or topic that you’d like to have considered for a future episode/blog post, you can request it by going to www.retirewithryan.com and clicking on ask a question.
As always, have a great day, a better week, and I look forward to talking with you on the next blog post, podcast, YouTube video, or wherever we have the pleasure of connecting!
Written by Ryan Morrissey
Founder & CEO of Morrissey Wealth Management
Host of the Retire with Ryan Podcast