Americans in Pursuit of an Age-Friendly Retirement Haven in Mexico

Abstract

ABSTRACT International retirement migration is becoming an increasingly popular trend as older adults seek a more age-friendly place to spend their golden years. In light of this under-studied but increasingly popular phenomenon, this research provides distinctive insights into the challenges and benefits for retirement migration. Using a qualitative design, this study examines the lived experiences of 20 non-Hispanic white retirees (mean age = 72) residing in the Lake Chapala Area (LCA) of the Mexican state of Jalisco. Data from a semi-structured questionnaire produced themes associated with acculturation, an affordable lifestyle, a nostalgic social environment, volunteering opportunities, a healthy aging lifestyle, access to medical services, and residential permanency. Findings indicate that participants were highly satisfied with their migration decision including the welcoming and friendly local culture, an affordable lifestyle, access to quality health care, and the many opportunities to remain physically and socially active. With the passage of time most retirees in our sample were prone to shift their attachments to the LCA with plans of making this destination their forever home. The findings demonstrate the importance of aging in a place of choice and the spatial experiences linked to an age-friendly retirement community.