At age 71, I made a decision that surprised many people: I left the United States and moved abroad.
Some assumed I was running away from something. The truth is, I was moving toward something.
After spending 37 years building a successful career in technology and marketing, I retired in 2020. Like many retirees, I looked forward to having more freedom and control over my time. But as the years passed, I began asking myself an important question:
Was I living the life I truly wanted, or simply continuing a routine that had become comfortable?
The more I traveled, the more I realized there was a bigger world waiting to be explored. I discovered that retirement didn’t have to mean slowing down. It could mean creating an entirely new chapter.
Moving abroad wasn’t a decision I made overnight. I spent months researching destinations, comparing costs, studying healthcare options, and learning about different cultures. Eventually, I realized that if I was ever going to make the leap, the best time was now.
Living abroad has brought challenges. I’ve navigated housing searches, healthcare systems, residency requirements, language barriers, and cultural differences. I’ve made mistakes and learned valuable lessons along the way.
But I’ve also discovered something unexpected: a renewed sense of adventure, curiosity, and purpose.
For me, living abroad isn’t about escaping the United States. It’s about expanding my life. It’s about proving that reinvention doesn’t have an expiration date.
At 73, I’m still learning, growing, meeting new people, and creating experiences I never imagined possible. That alone has made the journey worthwhile.
If you’re a woman over 60 wondering whether life abroad might be right for you, here are five things to consider:
5 Questions to Ask Before Moving Abroad
- What kind of lifestyle do I want? Focus on how you want to live, not just where.
- Can I comfortably afford the move? Understand your income, housing costs, and healthcare expenses.
- How important is proximity to family? Consider how often you’ll want to visit or be visited.
- Am I open to learning and adapting? Life abroad often requires flexibility and patience.
- What am I moving toward? The strongest moves are driven by purpose, not frustration.
Moving abroad isn’t for everyone. But for some women, it can be the beginning of a richer, more fulfilling chapter.
I left the United States at 71 because I wasn’t finished growing. Looking back, it remains one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
About the Author
Jackie Robinson is a retired professional and the founder of Living Life Abroad, a platform dedicated to helping women over 60 and retirees navigate international living with confidence. Having personally experienced the challenges of healthcare abroad, residency applications, cultural adjustments, and solo travel, she understands the practical realities of life overseas.
Through daily hands-on use of artificial intelligence tools, Jackie developed a clear system for using AI as a personal assistant — not a complicated tech platform. AI Made Easy was created from real-world application, not theory, to help retirees simplify decisions, reduce stress, and stay informed while living abroad.
Disclaimer:
At JackieR Living Life Abroad, we are proud to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and quality in all our content. This article was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence and carefully reviewed, edited, and refined by Jackie Robinson to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with the Jackie voice and brand.