60+ and Seriously Considering a Move

You may ask yourself how I am qualified to talk about moving when I’ve not moved in

30 years.

Yes, indeed it was 1990 when I moved from just outside the District of Columbia, to Austin, Texas.

I will say, just to give me a little authority on the topic, by the time we pulled up stakes and moved from Reston, VA to Austin, I’d made four previous moves to three separate states in the span of seven or eight years.

I also believe there’s something about living thirty years in a city that I love, but somehow still doesn’t feel like home, that seems to give me the credentials to write this post.

In other words, I’m approaching the article from the “if I were to consider moving again,” viewpoint.

Sister Beth is considering a move right now. She’s lived the majority of her life in Lansing, MI, our hometown, but with Mom passing last year, it feels like it’s time for a major life change. If she follows thru with her plans, she’ll be in her 60’s and it will be a solo move.

So, without any additional rationalization or justification on why I think my comments on the topic are relevant, I’ll simply list my thoughts and you be the judge of their merit.

Ask yourself, does the town feel like it could be home?

I’m starting with this because of its importance and yet it’s very hard to define.I’m going to assume you’ll do all the practical things a move entails – from your job to your healthcare, etc.But I think a component to a successful move is how the town feels from the very beginning.As you look around, can you feel the community?Can you see yourself walking the streets, feeling safe, living life? If you feel it, you’ll know it.

Why are you moving?

What does your current location lack? I think a list is in order here. Do you currently live in a small town and you’re looking for the vibrancy of the city? Wanting more (or less) stimulation from your current environment? Write the list of what you want to leave behind and what you want to gain in the new city or town.

Be honest with yourself. . .about EVERYTHING.

Are you looking for love and companionship?If you’re a person of color, are you looking for a community with a healthy African-American presence to find that love and companionship? By being totally honest with yourself about everything, odds are pretty good you’ll find what your heart desires. And by keeping it real and doing your homework, you won’t move to a town only to find out later that African Americans account for a paltry 2% of the population.

How do you deal with loneliness?

There’s bound to be a feeling of isolation and separation mixed with the excitement of change when you first make the move. However, even more so, most moves feel a little solitary, especially when the flurry of activity settles and you’re into the day-to-day. Make a list for the inevitable. Be prepared with activities that support who you are.

Does the new city care about us?

I mean being over 50. Does the city pay attention to and communicate with its older residents? As you’ve done your research, is there anything fun and innovative the city has planned for its older population? Look to see how robust the areas’ aging services are and future growth plans for our demographic.

So, there you have it. Hope you found it beneficial.

Tell me - are you considering a move? Or have you moved and would like to add a point or two to our list.

Share with us. We’d love to read your comments.