Senior Nomads – Would Life-on-the-Move Suit You?

Ever find yourself with itchy feet? If you’ve been cracking open Google maps, browsing the camper van sales on Trade Me, or looking for seasonal jobs in far flung places, you’ll know what we’re talking about. Around the country – and the world – seniors are leaving home, medium- or long-term, and taking to the road like never before. In our ‘Senior Nomads’ mini-series, we’ll be checking out what excites them to do it, how they make the move, and the practical considerations behind the adventure. We’ll also talk to senior nomads, and find out their real-life stories. But for now, let’s check out some of the many different reasons why senior nomads choose to make the move:

Climate-change

Let’s face it, our Kiwi climate can be challenging. Which is why many retirees say ‘enough is enough,’ and decide to head to regions, or countries, where warmth is guaranteed. Whether it’s the milder temperatures of Northland, the dry heat of the Med, or the balmy breeze of north Australia’s coastline, being ‘on-the-road’ sure beats ice, snow, and rain in winter!

Cut the living costs

It’s a fact, the cost of living in New Zealand has skyrocketed, and it seems it’s only going to get worse. Many senior nomads opt for a few months (or years!) of life in more budget-friendly climes. You’ve only to head to the likes of Bali, Penang, or Chiang Mai to find them!

Relinquish responsibility

For anyone with their own home, responsibility looms large, especially as the senior years roll around. That’s why placing your home in the care of a reliable rental property manager, and heading away in the camper, can beat mowing lawns and clearing blocked spoutings!

You can do this!

A ‘nomadic’ life in senior years, even for a short period, can be a huge confidence booster. The idea of being independent, and managing your own day to day needs without the support of family or friends, may be the very thing to help overcome grief, relationship issues, or the challenges that can assail some folk on retirement.

An instant community

Loneliness is no fun, and for some, the way to beat it is to join the informal ‘senior nomadic community.’ When you pull into the camp ground, or rock up to the orchard for a morning of fruit picking, you have a ready community at your finger tips. Friendships are forged, even if it’s for a day. And senior nomads often make arrangements to meet up at other venues further ‘down the road.’

Your turn!

You’ve raised a family, and more often than not, you’ve watched them head away on their big OE. Now it’s your turn for adventure, and the opportunity to experience another culture first hand. By embracing the senior-nomad life, living in another region or abroad can be affordable.

Learn a language

Duolingo is great fun, but if you’ve ever wanted to learn a language as quickly as possible, one of the best ways is insert yourself among its native speakers. Becoming a senior nomad for a few months (or years!) can help set you up with a new language for life.

Come and go

Embracing the nomadic life doesn’t mean abandoning family and friends. Many senior nomads come and go from their own homes. Even more exciting, friends and family members often travel to meet up with nomads, taking accommodation nearby, or hiring a camper and joining in with travels for a time.

There are a hundred and one reasons to enjoy the senior nomad lifestyle. Could it be your next retirement adventure?