There Is No Place Like Home …Where is That? -by Lynette Reiling
Home—so essential to our sense of identity, safety, and connection—can take on new meaning as we move into life’s second half. What defines “home,” and what we need from it, often shifts with time. Some find themselves over-housed and unable to keep up with maintenance. Others need something more affordable. Many begin to feel isolated in spaces that once felt vibrant. Any of these reasons can spark the question: Is it time for a new home?
For Carol and Tom, the turning point was the gradual loss of community in their longtime East Denver neighborhood. As the area changed, so did their sense of belonging. The final straw came with the student/teacher shooting at East High, which deeply shook their feeling of safety. Another looming concern was how they would manage health care as they aged in the United States. Tom was 70, Carol 63, and the available options all seemed financially out of reach.
They didn’t yet know where they would go, but they were clear about the essence of what they wanted: a place where they felt they belonged and where they could contribute. That clarity became their compass.
They began researching possibilities and, for them, Mexico rose to the top. Their first step was exploratory—a two-week vacation in a small seaside fishing village. They loved the atmosphere, the pace, and the people. Encouraged, they returned for a two-month stay, using the time to meet residents and learn about other regions.
Eventually, they chose to rent for a year in Ajijic, an artist community known for its walkability and strong social fabric. There, they didn’t need a car. Daily walks to the local market brought fresh fruits, vegetables, and, just as importantly, relationships with locals. They also discovered a welcoming expatriate community, making it easy to form friendships and mutual support networks.
Initially, Carol and Tom applied for temporary residency. It didn’t take long, however, to realize they wanted to make Mexico their permanent home.
One major decision remained: what to do with their East Denver house? As luck would have it, neighbors knew friends eager to buy in the area. The house sold quickly—another piece falling into place.
Health care, one of their biggest worries, proved more manageable than expected. As permanent residents, they could access government-provided care. Long-term care services were available at affordable monthly rates, and hiring a live-in caregiver was another financially realistic option.
Carol also noticed something less tangible but equally meaningful: “Ageism is pretty much non-existent in Mexico. Tom and I are thriving in a culture that respects older adults.” She shared a story about a friend whose husband lives in long-term care; each evening, staff line up to kiss patients on the head before going home. Moments like that reassured her that they would be cared for with dignity as they aged.
For others considering a move, Carol offers this wisdom:
Listen to your inner guidance. What defines the essence of home for you?
Research places of interest and network with people who live there.
Communicate openly with family and friends throughout the process.
Start small—sample locations through vacations, then longer stays in different seasons. Take time to integrate into the culture and community.
When asked if the change was worthwhile, Carol didn’t hesitate: “We are so happy. We feel enlivened. Our community has such good energy. We feel connected, like we belong, and that we can contribute to others’ well-being. There is no place like home.”
Lynette Reiling is an author, speaker, life coach, and advocate for purposeful living in life’s second half. She is the creator of the book Your Encore Life: Take Center Stage for Life’s Second Half, where she inspires older adults to design meaningful next life chapters. Through her writing, workshops, and outreach, Lynette empowers individuals to embrace transition, lifelong learning, and personal growth as pathways to fulfillment. She is passionate about helping people turn experience into impact and live their “encore” years with intention and joy.
Learn more about Lynette at www.yourencorelifecoach.com
