Study: Retiring Overseas Increases Risk of Loneliness Among Older Adults
Study finds that retirees moving abroad may face increased loneliness, despite being happier overall. Consider social support systems before retiring overseas.
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Dreams of retirement in a sunnier, more affordable locale tempt many, but a study in Psychology and Aging suggests that loneliness may lurk for expat retirees. “Retirement migration is all the rage in Europe and globally. European sun-seekers migrate to Spain, Americans head to Mexico, and Japanese to Malaysia,” remarked researcher Esma Betül Savaş. Despite generally happy reports, adjusting to a new country poses challenges.
Conducted by Savaş and colleagues, the study surveyed 4,995 Dutch retirees abroad and 1,338 in the Netherlands. To qualify, migrants were over 65 and relocated after 50. Findings revealed social isolation among migrants, despite better health and wealth than non-migrant peers.
Interestingly, emotional loneliness didn’t differ much between groups, especially for migrants moving with a partner. However, losing touch with old friends and family increased both social and emotional isolation for migrants. Maintaining ties with neighbors, and embracing the new environment, eased the loneliness burden.
Considering these risks, Savaş cautioned aspiring retirees to assess their support networks. “Retirees may face dual jeopardy in a new country, vulnerable to age and migration-related loneliness risks,” she warned. Adverse health implications of loneliness underscore the importance of preserving old connections and cultivating new ones in the new retirement haven.
Published on: 2025-03-13 13:00:00 | Author:
