I think access to resources is a big part of this decision. Money can smooth over medical distance (a little, depending on the issues) I have Taos friends in their later years who have bought into an ABQ retirement community so that if one of them needs care in the future, they will have a place all set up and ready to go.
My grandparents moved from ABQ to Taos for their final years to be near 2 of their children. As they declined, managing their health became difficult, even with a full time daytime caregiver.
My other grandparents lived in Santa Barbara and had an easier last years transition as they were in their familiar home and near family and friends who’d known them for many, many years.
Best of luck with your decision!
As a side note - growing up in Taos, I always fantasized that the thing that would make it more ideal, was ocean access ; )
Thanks! I am not planning to move in the foreseeable future, but always like contingency plans in place...JIC. And, now, with the threat of our hospital closing, the decision may be made for me.
Haha—I love that! There's something to be said for going out with your boots on in a town that feeds your soul. Our small, artsy spot in northern New Mexico is exactly the kind of place worth staying put for. While I’m over here waffling and making pro/con lists, you’ve got it all figured out. I admire that kind of conviction—thanks for the laugh and the perspective! xo
I’m live in Austin and in the process of selling my home. I’m not too far out from the city center but far enough to think traffic is a drag and I don’t love driving! I am so for relocating when things are just not feeling complete. I think sometimes we just meet thresholds in our environment. And as we grow within ourselves the outer world calls for a shift too! 🙂
I love the way you put that—“we just meet thresholds in our environment.” That really resonates. It’s true that as we evolve internally, our external surroundings sometimes need to catch up or shift with us. I completely understand the feeling about driving and traffic—what once felt manageable can suddenly feel like a daily drain. (Although driving in So Cal. NEVER felt manageable!!) Wishing you clarity and ease as you move through your own transition. It’s inspiring to hear from someone embracing change with such intention!
What a thoughtful piece. My aunt & uncle moved from suburbs back to Michigan Avenue in their 70s (he was still working). I thught that was the smartest thing. I live in London (40 or so years) (grew up in suburbs of Milwaukee) and have no plans to move. There are buses, gps and hospitals but also tons to do - museums, libraries and concerts. Good food for thought.
Yes, living in a city like London seems comforting. People, health care, food delivery, social events, public transportation, all helpful for seniors. Thank you for the comments.
Boy, does this hit home! I too love our little mountain town, and when I moved here I thought it would be forever. But access to health care increasingly concerns me as I get older. I have several friends who used to live here but relocated to bigger cities precisely for that reason. And although I grew up on a different coast from you, I too feel most whole and at peace when I’m breathing salt air. I certainly felt that pull, hard, during two recent trips back to my home town on the Gulf coast. A key factor in my situation, though, is that my husband has lived here for over forty years, his grown son and his partner are here, and his business is here. He most emphatically does not want to move away. So here we are likely to stay.
Yes. It must be comforting to have family here to help out if ever needed. But, I am right with you regarding the pull of the beach. At least I can visit often. And, as I said, I love it here so very much. A good problem to have! xo
Hi Diane!
I think access to resources is a big part of this decision. Money can smooth over medical distance (a little, depending on the issues) I have Taos friends in their later years who have bought into an ABQ retirement community so that if one of them needs care in the future, they will have a place all set up and ready to go.
My grandparents moved from ABQ to Taos for their final years to be near 2 of their children. As they declined, managing their health became difficult, even with a full time daytime caregiver.
My other grandparents lived in Santa Barbara and had an easier last years transition as they were in their familiar home and near family and friends who’d known them for many, many years.
Best of luck with your decision!
As a side note - growing up in Taos, I always fantasized that the thing that would make it more ideal, was ocean access ; )
Thanks! I am not planning to move in the foreseeable future, but always like contingency plans in place...JIC. And, now, with the threat of our hospital closing, the decision may be made for me.
Hope you are well and thriving.
xoxo
I'm not leaving this small, artsy town in northern New Mexico until they carry me out feet first.
Haha—I love that! There's something to be said for going out with your boots on in a town that feeds your soul. Our small, artsy spot in northern New Mexico is exactly the kind of place worth staying put for. While I’m over here waffling and making pro/con lists, you’ve got it all figured out. I admire that kind of conviction—thanks for the laugh and the perspective! xo
Pro/con lists never work for me - they always end up the same length. Your imaginative intelligence is what's required on this one -
Absolutely!!
The beach is calling you😉
Ha! I hear it!!! xoxoxo
I’m live in Austin and in the process of selling my home. I’m not too far out from the city center but far enough to think traffic is a drag and I don’t love driving! I am so for relocating when things are just not feeling complete. I think sometimes we just meet thresholds in our environment. And as we grow within ourselves the outer world calls for a shift too! 🙂
I love the way you put that—“we just meet thresholds in our environment.” That really resonates. It’s true that as we evolve internally, our external surroundings sometimes need to catch up or shift with us. I completely understand the feeling about driving and traffic—what once felt manageable can suddenly feel like a daily drain. (Although driving in So Cal. NEVER felt manageable!!) Wishing you clarity and ease as you move through your own transition. It’s inspiring to hear from someone embracing change with such intention!
Thank you, Diane! "What once felt manageable can feel like a daily drain..." Exactly!
What a thoughtful piece. My aunt & uncle moved from suburbs back to Michigan Avenue in their 70s (he was still working). I thught that was the smartest thing. I live in London (40 or so years) (grew up in suburbs of Milwaukee) and have no plans to move. There are buses, gps and hospitals but also tons to do - museums, libraries and concerts. Good food for thought.
Yes, living in a city like London seems comforting. People, health care, food delivery, social events, public transportation, all helpful for seniors. Thank you for the comments.
Boy, does this hit home! I too love our little mountain town, and when I moved here I thought it would be forever. But access to health care increasingly concerns me as I get older. I have several friends who used to live here but relocated to bigger cities precisely for that reason. And although I grew up on a different coast from you, I too feel most whole and at peace when I’m breathing salt air. I certainly felt that pull, hard, during two recent trips back to my home town on the Gulf coast. A key factor in my situation, though, is that my husband has lived here for over forty years, his grown son and his partner are here, and his business is here. He most emphatically does not want to move away. So here we are likely to stay.
Yes. It must be comforting to have family here to help out if ever needed. But, I am right with you regarding the pull of the beach. At least I can visit often. And, as I said, I love it here so very much. A good problem to have! xo