For many, retirement is often viewed as a final destination—a quiet retreat into the comfort of a familiar routine. But for Dennis and Jay, who have shared their lives for over forty years, retirement was never intended to be a slow deceleration. Instead, it was designed as a deliberate and vigorous "re-launch" into a life of global engagement and continuous discovery.
The Philosophy of "No Regrets"
The cornerstone of their lifestyle is a commitment to thriving rather than merely surviving. In a manifesto penned in 2018, Dennis articulated a clear rejection of conventional expectations. The belief is simple: stasis leads to stagnation. By choosing to remain in motion, they actively resist the "predictable ruts" that often define the later years of life. This mindset is not about avoiding the reality of aging, but about maximizing the quality of every experience while they are able.
The Ten-Year Framework
When Dennis retired in 2014, the couple established a structured "Ten-Year Plan" that would guide their travels through 2024. This framework provided the momentum needed to transition from their work lives in British Columbia to a life as global citizens.
This plan was tested early on by significant health challenges, including Jay’s major heart surgery in 2017. However, rather than ending the journey, these obstacles served as a catalyst for deeper commitment. Their resilience transformed a series of trips into a sustained lifestyle, moving between their permanent home in New Westminster, BC and extended residencies in places like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Egypt and Argentina.
Identity in Motion
One of the most unique aspects of their journey is the concept of fluid identity. They do not see themselves as tourists, but as temporary residents of the world. Whether it is "Minuwangoda Dennis" navigating a local market in Sri Lanka or "New Westminster Dennis" upgrading the technology in their apartment, their identity shifts to match their current coordinates. This adaptability allows them to absorb the culture, history, and daily rhythms of a location with high fidelity.
The Road to 100 Countries
This spring, the couple will reach a remarkable milestone: their 100th country visited. The nation turns out to be Japan! While the number itself is impressive, they view it more as a byproduct of their curiosity than a final goal. The "Road to 100" project is about the accumulation of perspective—seeing the world as it truly is, rather than through a screen or a guidebook.
As they look past the number, there is no "shelf-life" on their ambitions. They continue to plan for "more days," treating life as an open-ended archive of experiences yet to be gathered. For Dennis and Jay, the secret to a successful retirement isn't found in a quiet chair, but in the next set of coordinates on the map.