Semi Retirement

Why do many of us work hard for decades so we can suddenly stop when we are are frail?  Does a lack of effort, purpose and mental challenge increase frailty?

The Financial Independence / Retire Early (FIRE) movement has a similar goal and solves part of the problem.  If you can minimize your spending to invest more, you can reach the retirement goal much younger.  Does this lead to increased frailty, anecdotally I think it does to some degree.  

An alternative option would be to plan to continue working some amount forever.  Perhaps longer vacations and fewer hours per week.  Perhaps as your own boss with flexible hours.  

Lowering expenses would still be important, after all, even someone making a million a year can find a lifestyle of luxury that makes this a necessity.  

If your retirement funds can meet your basic expenses, then income from work can go towards luxuries and philanthropy.