Three Overlooked Considerations When Relocating in Retirement

Moving to the proverbial beachfront condo or gated golf and tennis community are still popular retirement goals. Many seniors also plan to relocate to be closer to friends and family, to immerse themselves in their interests and hobbies, or to shake up their retirement routines with a little adventure.

But while retirees who want to move often focus on the financial and logistical challenges, relocating also involves some significant lifestyle challenges that shouldn't be overlooked.

As you're plotting your big retirement relocation, don't forget to discuss these three issues with your spouse and your Life-Centered Licensed Financial Planner.

1. Will You Have a Support System?

If you're planning to move so that you can spend more time with your adult children, grandchildren, or other friends and family, consider where your loved ones are on their own $Lifelines.

You're retired. You have the freedom to schedule your time however you want.

Working parents and growing kids who are juggling professional responsibilities, grocery shopping, cooking meals, football practice, and homework don't have the same luxury.

Sure, knowing loved ones are nearby to help with a major medical emergency can provide some peace of mind. But you also need someone to grab a cup of coffee with during the week, an exercise buddy, or a tennis partner. It's unrealistic to expect your spouse or any other loved one to fulfill all those roles, especially if they’re not retired yet.

And if you move somewhere completely new, are you prepared to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people?

2. How Accessible and Expensive Is Healthcare?

Many retirees aren’t fully prepared for how medical expenses can rise throughout their retirement years. With Malaysians living longer than ever before, it’s essential to have a plan to safeguard your healthcare — both now and in the future.

When considering healthcare in your preferred retirement location, ask yourself:

• Who will be my regular doctor, and will I have access to specialists if needed?

• Will I rely mainly on government facilities, or should I budget for private clinics and hospitals?

• How close is the nearest Klinik Kesihatan or hospital with emergency care?

• Will changes in the cost of living affect how I maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as my diet, exercise, or medication needs?

It’s equally important to think ahead about the care you might require later in life. Long-term support such as in-home nursing, physiotherapy, or assisted living usually isn’t fully covered by public healthcare. Even if you remain relatively healthy, aging may mean depending more on your support network — whether family, neighbours, or community services — for help with errands, transportation, or daily tasks. Planning early can ease the financial and emotional stress for both you and your loved ones.

3. How Convenient Is Travelling?

If your bucket list is full of travel goals, you may want to stick close to a city with a major airport. Otherwise, plan for an extra hour in the car as you travel from the suburbs or countryside, as well as some extra transportation expenses like long-term parking.

Urban life can also make domestic travel easier if you're connected to the rest of the country via bus and train.

You should also assess how easy getting around your new city or town will be, especially as you grow older. Take a long weekend vacation and see if you can leave your car in its parking space. Are there local senior discounts for using public transportation? How convenient are the walking paths and bike lanes? Are key destinations spread out or centralized? How long does it take to order a Grab after dinner on a busy Saturday night?

Do you have relocation in retirement plotted on your $Lifeline? Visit our offices and let’s discuss how your Life-Centered Financial plan can help you meet the financial and lifestyle challenges.