Edmond Hoyle’s first published work was probably A Short Treatise on the Game of Whist, which appeared in 1742, when its author was a ripe 70. The booklet became an instantaneous success. Hoyle had previously acquired a considerable reputation as an instructor of card games, with which polite British society was absolutely obsessed.

Many people believe that they’ll be able to just completely switch gears once they retire, but the truth is, if you don’t prepare yourself now, retirement may be some of the most boring and dull years of your life. Instead of having just the weekends off, you are going to be at home nearly every day. If you want to make the most of it all and have a happy, successful retirement, you’re going to need to get started preparing right away.