If somebody asked me if I wanted to reinvent myself, I think I’d reply tongue-in-cheek that there are parts of me that could use a tune-up, but overall, no.

But after reading Marjory Zoet Bankson’s new book, “Creative Aging: Rethinking Retirement and Non-Retirement in a Changing World” (SkyLight Paths Publishing, $16.99), I’m reconsidering my answer.

“Creative Aging” was written for those of us who are thinking about what it means to grow older and retire ... and what comes next.

The book is about life transitions -- experiencing endings before we can make new beginnings, and then experiencing a period of trying things out before we take on our newly reinvented lives.

This kind of planning and thinking can be crucial, especially for those of us who have felt ourselves defined by career. If we’re no longer an (accountant/factory worker/teacher), then what are we? What will we do with the rest of our years? Will they be meaningful?

“Creative Aging” walks us through the steps of getting there: letting go of vocational identity, feeling stuck and resistant to change, drawing energy from the past, forming a new vision for the future, moving toward it, taking risks and finding a new purpose.

Full of stories of those who have already walked this path, “Creative Aging” doesn’t so much take us by the hand as it opens doors to thinking about what is right for each of us.

The stories are eye-openers as they tell what we can expect and how to spot opportunities for making changes.

As the book says, “At this stage of life, we don’t have to wait for someone else to approve.”

If you’re sensing even the slightest questions about “What’s next?” take a look at “Creative Aging.”

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible.

Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com.

(c) 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.