After more than three decades in customer service for AEP, Larry Rowe retired at age 62 in April 2008.

“Last summer was the first time in 31 years I had the summer off. I really did the Rowe thing in Walden Pond. I worked around the yard and house, did a lot of landscaping and maintenance work.”

But when fall came and his large yard and garden no longer needed tending, “I knew I didn't want to be cooped up in the house all winter long.”

So in November, he took a part-time, temporary job with the U.S. Census Bureau, initially for eight to 10 weeks, “but I'm well over that now,” he said. But that's OK, for several reasons.

Rowe has both a pension and 401(k) and even health insurance from AEP. For the most part, he feels secure in his retirement savings. Yet, he said, “If I'd known what I know today I'd still (have) been working. I wouldn't have retired,” mostly because of missing people.

“Going back to work was more about realizing there's a need to interact with other human beings on a day-to-day basis. I've always worked with people. There are wonderful people, interesting characters.”

His wife has discussed retiring but for now is still working, adding to the couple's financial security. These days they are also cautious about spending.

Retirement requires planning on many fronts, Rowe said, not just financial.

“The baby boomers have learned from our parents that you can't just retire and tomorrow stay home with no plan.”

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See WANE-TV's story on this topic at www.wane.com.