Living in France

The purpose of this paper is to offer a personal insight from a retired care professional into attitudes to the ageing process and being old. It shows how moving to another country in later life can improve quality of life.

The paper is an invited opinion piece and comment based on the author's experiences in dealing with their own ageing. It is an autobiographical account which challenges conventional views about the expected ways to meet the challenges of ageing.

Retirement need not lead to a “static” view of one's life. Meeting the challenge of moving to another country in later life can lead to new and renewed friendships, improvements in memory in learning a new language and developing enhanced awareness of other cultures. Moving house and home can be a stimulating adventure even when one is older.

Personal insights from experienced care professionals can demonstrate ways of responding to the challenge of ageing that are constructive and positive. It could encourage others to take up and confront their own forms of “adventure” as they grow older.