I know a guy who quit his high paying tech job and now stocks produce at the Whole Foods. He is happy with the decision. I don't think I'm ready.
Some years back, a co-worker was offered a buyout incentive to retire at 62. He took it (He would have been crazy not to) and he now enjoys working part time at the Home Depot.
I think most of us in our 50s will need some sort of part-time retirement job. Me, I would take Trader Joe's, or even the local grocery store, as your friend did.
I'm hoping to go car-free after I retire, in 7 to 10 years. I live pretty simply already. I'm not much of a restaurant guy, since I prefer to cook myself. I'm not big on travel, since it travelling has become such a PITA.