I am starting to get pretty close to retirement, so an escape plan is always kind of close to the front of my mind. I think the more I think about it though, the more reality sets in. It's probably not going to look anything like what I might have dreamed or imagined back when I was younger. The world is just a different place and funds aren't as plentiful as I imagined they would be!
I've worked hard to ensure I'll have enough funds and despite there being setbacks (some I've even mentioned in Hive over the years) that's not my main concern (although it's always a strong consideration of course). It's more about where I want to be and when (what stage of my life) as I don't want to become a burden on others by being in their proximity. It's difficult to look into the future so I'm planning it out carefully, trying to see it from all angles and working towards covering off on the unexpected that I know will always present itself.
That sounds like a smart plan. I understand what you are saying. My wife and I don't have kids and she is pretty adamant that she wants to go first. I need to have a plan in place so I am not a burden to others or her if her plan doesn't work out :) I'm working on having enough saved up, but it feels like a moving target at times.