My dad retired in Sept. of 2016 as a pilot for the US Navy after 32 years. Was called back while he still had his security clearance which expired on December 31, 2016 due to Iran chasing US Naval ships around.
On January 1, 2017 his security clearance was not renewed by the DoD. At his ripe age of 70 he now flies 100 mph vs. 600 mph, this time on the water test driving speed boats, and he does it for fun and for free. Well, he gets a paid for trip to somewhere delivering it to a client.
His brother, retired as an airline pilot, flew everything from DC-8s to L-1011s 717s etc. Has a full pension and benefits. Still likes flying, so now he flies boxes, cars, boats, packages....gets two paychecks, lives on the beach has two benefit programs, and the best part, the fedex/UPS package is not drunk and complaining.
My grandfather, retired airline pilot, after forced retirement re the FAA took up flying gliders. How fun it was to find the thermals and lift.
It is called....it is what we do. The porch and the pond is nice and all, but we all still need the thrill of the game.
When you retire, your soul dies. We have to continue to live.