Talking Facs

Host: Mindy McCulley, MS Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, University of Kentucky  Guest: Caroline Francis, EdS Director of UK Alumni Career Services Season 8, Episode 12 Welcome to Talking FACS with host Mindy McCulley. In this episode Mindy talks with Caroline Francis, director of University of Kentucky Alumni Career Services, about the four pillars that research shows make retirement (and semi-retirement) healthier, more meaningful, and more sustainable. Caroline outlines the four pillars—health and wellness, social and emotional connections (combating loneliness), lifelong learning, and work/purpose—and explains why each matters. She cites research like the Harvard Grant Study and examples such as Blue Zones to show how diet, movement, relationships, continued learning, and purposeful work support longevity and quality of life. Listeners will hear practical tips for planning an intentional retirement: start healthy habits early prioritize close relationships a