Why More Americans Over 50 Are Leaving It All Behind to Live Abroad (And How You Can Too)
There was a time when I could tell you exactly what day it was, how many meetings I had, and what time I needed to be on the freeway to beat the traffic.
Fast forward a few years and now? Some days, I have to double check what day it even is.
One year, I forgot how old I was turning. Not because I was trying to be cute or hide my age, but because I genuinely forgot and had to calculate it from my birth year.
When I told my friends, they laughed and said, "That's good living." And you know what? They were right.
That's what living abroad has given me: peace, calm, and a freedom I didn’t even know I was searching for.
And I’m not alone.
Why More Americans Over 50 Are Moving Abroad
From inflation to burnout to simply wanting a more meaningful life, many Americans over 50 are looking for something more. Not necessarily “more stuff,” but more joy, presence, and time.
And they’re finding it by moving abroad.
There’s a rising trend of retirees, career changers, and even solo women over 50 choosing to live their next chapter overseas. Why? Because it offers:
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A slower, more intentional pace of life
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Better work life balance (or simply, life balance)
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Richer cultural experiences
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Often, a lower cost of living
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And in many cases, a second chance to rediscover yourself
My Journey: Lawyer to Pastry Chef to Expat
I didn’t plan to leave everything and move to France. But after years in a demanding legal career, I shifted into the culinary world and eventually, to life abroad.
That decision transformed me.
Life here in the South of France is so calm and peaceful that I sometimes forget time is even passing. And that’s coming from someone who lived her life by deadlines and calendars.
That one birthday I miscalculated? It was hilarious, but also deeply revealing. That’s what living really looks like — when time stops being the main character and you start living.
Common Challenges (and How to Navigate Them)
Don’t get me wrong, moving abroad isn’t all rosé and beach days. There are challenges.
But if you're someone over 50, you were raised on challenges. You've lived through career pivots, family shifts, recessions, and more. This? You can handle.
Some of the most common challenges include:
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Immigration paperwork: Visas and residency applications can be frustrating, but they’re doable with the right preparation and help.
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Language barriers: If you’re moving to a non-English speaking country, learning even basic phrases goes a long way.
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French bureaucracy: It has a reputation for a reason, but patience (and a few deep breaths) are key.
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Mindset shift: Slower systems, shorter workweeks, and “closed on Sundays” can take adjusting. But it’s also part of the charm.
So... Should You Move Abroad?
If your gut has been whispering “there has to be more than this,” listen to it.
You don’t have to sell everything and move overnight. Start small:
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Visit a destination you’re curious about (stay for at least 2 weeks)
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Research visa options for long term stays
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Join expat Facebook groups or follow creators like me
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Keep a “what I want more of” list
Moving abroad isn’t an escape. It’s a step toward something.
For me, it was toward joy, spaciousness, and a kind of peace I hadn’t experienced in decades.
If you're over 50, this isn't the end. It's the beginning of your boldest, most fulfilling chapter yet.
Coming in October:
My 3 year anniversary blog and video where I spill the realest truths of what it’s like to build a new life in France. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss it.
Have questions about moving abroad or want help planning your own move? Book a 1:1 consultation with me. Let's make it real.
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Posted in
american abroad, Delights by Dawn, expat life, france living, living abroad, midlife move, moving abroad after 50, retire abroad
It’s crazy how the universe works, and I start this comment off that way because I stumbled upon a Business Insider article that featured your story, while I was at the airport in Paris France on my way back home to good ol Alabama! My husband and I decided to take a late honeymoon to Europe. We spent time in Venice Italy, Geneva Switzerland, and then we finished off our trip in Paris France! We’re no strangers to living abroad, we’ve spent many years in Italy and Japan due to our military background, but we did a lot of traveling and immersing ourselves in the local culture. After moving back to the States and ultimately retiring from the Air Force, we felt unfulfilled. After retiring, we got the 6 figure corporate jobs, the big house, fancy cars…all the things we thought was the “American Dream.” It wasn’t until a couple of years ago we started to see an increase of Instagram posts and social media folks talk about how “easy” it is to move abroad. So, we took the bait and reached out to someone that convinced us to move to the Netherlands and how life would be great and blah blah blah! After doing our own research and reaching out to different people who were also in the process of moving to the Netherlands, we found out the visa option we qualified for no longer existed! Was it a gut punch? Absolutely! Did we temporarily accept defeat, yup! But that feeling was short-lived and we decided not to give up so easily and started working on a business that would help us qualify for another visa option. During this time, we decided to take a much-needed break and overdue honeymoon, so off to Europe we went and when I tell you it was the breath of fresh air that we needed…whew I can’t even put into words the bliss that we felt everyday while we were there! That thing that we were missing was no longer…we felt at peace, happy, and most of all free! No anxiety, no worries, no nagging feeling of the hustle and bustle of work, just enjoying the moment! When we made it to the airport the veil of sadness creeped in, and I began to doom scroll until I came upon your Business Insider article and that sparked something in me. While we were already on the fence about the Netherlands, something about France felt like home, it felt like happiness, not only for me and for my young children. I can’t settle on a place just because it’s easy to get to, but we need a place that feels like home! We’ve decided to visit France again soon to scout out some places that align with our wants and needs, and reading your article and viewing your YouTube channel just solidified that we shouldn’t settle…we can’t settle, and that we must do what’s best for our mental wellbeing and happiness of our family. Thank you so much for sharing your story with the world, you just motivated me to continue to move forward with our dream of finding our true home…you’re amazing Miss Dawn!