Cole is an example of what retirement can look like with a good savings plan and a variety of government assistance programs. Her prior government role left her with a hefty retirement benefit; she still gets healthcare. She's taken advantage of a few water aerobics classes in DC and was swimming up at a pool near Capitol Hill. "The last season," what she calls the "senior season" of life, is the best, Cole said. "I know people think they're in a good season now, but live long enough to get that Medicaid card," she said, adding: "I don't have nobody to tell me what to do.

---

Persons: —, Carol Cole, she's, Fred —, Cole, scot, didn't, Carol, Harris Teeter, Ross, She's, It's Organizations: Service, Fiat, Business, Produce, Kennedy Center, DC, Amtrak Locations: Washington, Charlottesville , Virginia, bam, It's, San Francisco, Chicago, Denver, Reno, Vegas