You’ve probably seen the photos: vibrant markets, cozy apartments with mountain views, joyful couples sipping coffee in the sun. But beyond the Instagram images, many women over 60 are asking a quieter, more personal question: Could I really start over in another country?
Prefer to listen? We’ve recorded a special podcast version of this article so you can enjoy it while walking, packing, or sipping your morning coffee.
Press play to hear: Could You Build a New Life Abroad After 60? Here’s What Other Women Are Discovering
It’s not just about finding a cheaper place to live. It’s about finding a new way to live. And women just like you are already doing it – slowly, thoughtfully, and on their own terms.
Why Some Women Are Considering a Move Abroad
There’s no single reason women choose to relocate later in life. Some feel drawn by the cost of living. Others want a fresh start after retirement, divorce, or loss. And many are simply curious: What would life be like if I lived somewhere where I could breathe differently?
A recent survey by AARP found that nearly 12% of Americans over 60 have considered living abroad. For many women, it’s not about escape – it’s about expansion. It’s about stepping into a new chapter with fewer obligations and more possibilities.
You Don’t Have to Be Brave All at Once
If the idea of building a new life abroad both excites and terrifies you, you’re not alone. Starting over – especially in a new culture – is emotional. You may find yourself energized one moment and overwhelmed the next. That’s okay.
You don’t need to make the leap in a single bound. In fact, most women who make the move do so gradually: they start with research, then visits, and finally, they make a move that fits their rhythm – not someone else’s.
Taking time to observe, reflect, and gently try things out is part of the process. Some women begin with a three-month trial stay or explore different towns before settling in one spot. Others join online forums or take part in local expat Zoom calls before they ever book a plane ticket.
What Real Women Are Discovering Along the Way
Here are some of the quiet truths women over 60 have shared about starting over abroad:
- Belonging takes time – but it often begins with one kind neighbor, one shared coffee, one helpful conversation at a market.
- Purpose isn’t always what you think – it might be teaching English, planting a garden, or simply learning how to listen in a new language.
- Friendships can surprise you – especially when you step into local clubs, creative workshops, or women’s meetups abroad.
One woman in her early 60s, after moving to southern Spain, said she expected to feel like a stranger but instead found herself welcomed into a circle of artists. “We don’t speak the same language fluently,” she said, “but we connect over paint and bread and laughter.”
Another woman in Ecuador shared that after her husband passed away, she found comfort in a local sewing group. “I didn’t expect to feel seen again,” she told us. “But I do. These women saved me in ways I didn’t know I needed.”
Community and Purpose Are the Real Currency
Beyond the cost of rent or groceries, what really shapes a successful life abroad is emotional connection. The women who thrive in their new homes abroad aren’t the ones who figured everything out in advance. They’re the ones who kept showing up, kept saying yes to possibility, and allowed themselves to feel unsure at times.
Many have shared that the most meaningful part of life abroad isn’t the scenery – it’s the freedom to redefine yourself without pressure. To be a beginner again. To find community by simply being open.
In countries like Portugal, Costa Rica, or Mexico, some women find comfort in established expat networks. Others feel more drawn to integrating with local communities. There’s no right way to do it – only the way that honors who you are now.
Things to Consider Before Making a Move
- Healthcare: Research what’s available locally, and what kind of insurance you may need.
- Legal Residency: Understand the visa options for retirees or long-term stays.
- Language: You don’t need to be fluent, but learning key phrases can make everyday interactions more rewarding.
- Walkability and Transit: If you won’t be driving, consider how easily you can get around town.
- Climate and Culture: Think about how you handle heat, cold, crowds, or quiet. Different regions offer different emotional landscapes.
Ready to Learn More?
If your heart is curious – even if your feet aren’t ready yet – that’s enough to begin exploring. One of the best ways to start is by understanding your personality profile. Knowing how you’re wired can help you make more confident, fulfilling choices about where and how to live. We recommend starting with the free Enneagram test at EnneagramZoom.com.
You don’t have to decide today. But you’re allowed to imagine what’s possible.
Final Thought
This stage of life isn’t about shrinking into safety – it’s about expanding into what might still be. You’ve carried so much wisdom, resilience, and grace to get here. What if a new life abroad wasn’t about leaving behind who you are – but becoming even more of it?
Imagine waking up and being gently stretched by possibility – not by pressure. Imagine being welcomed, even haltingly, into a culture that encourages slow mornings and unhurried conversations. Picture yourself sitting at a café or by the sea, sharing stories with new friends who also chose to live life differently.
If something inside you stirs at the thought, listen to it. A new life doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be deeply meaningful. It can be quieter. Softer. More your own. And it can start with a single question: What would happen if I moved abroad after 60 and built a life that feels like home?
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Are you looking to start over after retirement, divorce or loss? What does starting over look like in your mind? Have you taken steps toward this goal?
