I just wanted to know if there are any other women who as they thought about retiring found themselves caught up between the practical side of the financial verses moving away to be closer to some family and warmer weather.
I find that I may have to apply for low income housing in order to stay in the northeastern part of the country. I would have very little financial worries as to keeping a roof over my head so to speak. That is the major “pro” in the quandary I am in. I find in my middle 60’s that I really do not enjoy the cold winter and yet I have lived in Florida and the humidity is tough too! My son and my older grandchildren live there now and I have a few good friends in Florida, too. The cost of living there is not as expensive as the northeast but more than what I would pay for low income housing costs.
Also, I am an artist and would like some space to continue to be creative within my home and 450 square feet in a housing apartment is very small no matter the cost in some respects…..
I guess I am stuck as to what to make my priorities in order to know what the best choice for me is and I am analyzing it all to a crazy-making point!
How can I know what is actually going to make me happiest?
I respect and appreciate any and all who can share with me because others experiences would be helpful…
ElderChicks 
Happiness comes from within… as life goes on you must make adjustments to the available changes and opportunities that come your way. Nothing is ever perfect but you can accept the better choice with a smile…
This may or may not help you.
What I have learned in my life is that If I have to try and persuade myself of something, I am probably already very much inclined to doubt or mistrust it.
I moved into a small apartment from a three story House that had been in my family for four generations. At first it was culture shock, but now I love it. My view is fantastic. The maitanence and upkeep is great.
As a writer and researcher, my time is my own.
Email me
BARB
earthfeather99@yahoo.com
I like what Lee said. I’m new to this site and hope to contribute more. But in this case, I believe you can not make a mistake, you may choose one way and find you want another, but that would be less a mistake and more a learning. I believe deeply that we will always be supported in whatever we do for our highest good.
“Less a mistake and more a learning” signifies a great attitude! This is wonderful to keep in mind as we face many decisions. Thank you for reminding me.
I appreciate all responses and I agree either way it is a learning experience and not a mistake. That was such an important way to view it!
I, too, am 70 and recently retired. I am not sure of what I want to do, but have learned a few lessons from my mom’s early retirement. She had to give up her home and move in with us or at my sister’s on the east coast. We live in Texas. She liked the mass transportation and availability of friends in the DC area and also our home. We loved having her. But I decided then that I would maintain my independence as long as possible because she was happiest when she had it. She never complained but was more energetic and “alive” when she could spend time with her friends, had transportation and a little spending money.
I just wait when faced with a life-changing decision. In time, I realize on my own what is most important to me. Go for a visit to Florida and ask yourself, is there a space you can claim for yourself and your desire to create? Perhaps that would help make your decision clearer.
I just spent a week with a sister, recently widowed, age 77, facing a similar situation. After much discussion, we identified five areas that she wanted to consider before making any drastic changes in her living situation: her health, proximity to children, happiness with her church, friendliness of her community, and acceptability of the climate. She’d gotten the climate right this winter, but she was missing aspects of the other things. Next winter she’ll stay put at home!
Life changes and we move on not always with full acceptance. I am 78 and have found that my work has become more hi tech so I have to learn new procedures and they are not easy even for those who are younger. Change is not easy, but then it never has been. Has it!
What is your heart telling you to do? I would encourage you to follow your heart. If that means staying in the NE, stay. If that means moving to Florida, make the move sooner rather than later so that you will have time to make new friends and contacts while you are still able. Taking my own advice, I moved from Texas where I had lived for over 22 years back to the NE to live and to be closer to my daughter and grandchildren tho it more sense to stay in Texas financially. Following your heart will make all the difference.
I have to say thank you to all of the women who gave me such good advise by sharing with me what they themselves felt was right for them.
At the very last minute just as I was about to sign the papers for the apartment in NE senior housing I did access my heart and called a long distance mover and scheduled my move to Florida!
I had a good friend who continued to tell me that I was not getting in touch with my heart that felt I was allowing my practical side to lead my decision making and she was correct.
I was nervous because I did have to do this move and all it entailed including driving my car by myself from Massachusetts to Florida but I am now several weeks into my new home which I love and am enjoying multiple visits with my sons and 5 grandchildren!
I new once I did access my heart just what I wanted and how to do it and I took the leap of faith and the universe definitely has supported me on the way!
Thanks again!