In the current low-interest environment, to expect to retire without learning about the stock market is madness. You need dividends from stocks to get a decent return. For companies with DCPPs, you are most likely to be dealing with the stock market anyway.

If you have a mortgage-free home, there are various ways of drawing down equity - all of whom would be tax-free. At least there would be the benefit of lower living expenses vs. having to pay rent.

Oh, and don't quote "interest rates". You need to consider interest rates after inflation. If you had 5% interest rates but also 5% inflation, you are not making any money.