Why retiring close to family makes sense

Should you move closer to family in retirement? It’s a question many seniors ask themselves as they consider where they’d like to spend their golden years. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are many reasons why living close to loved ones in later life is an excellent option.

1. Be a hands-on grandparent
Author Bjarne Reuter once said, “Children have the unforgivable habit of growing up.” And if you’re a grandparent, you know just how quickly it happens. Living in the same city as your grandchildren ensures that you’re able to enjoy every precious stage of their lives, from their first words to their first day at school. And it’s not just grandparents who benefit from being involved in the lives of their grandchildren. As Alex Hale so beautifully puts it, “Nobody can do for little children what Grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.”

2. Share in important family celebrations
While technology offers us wonderful new ways to connect with family from a distance, nothing beats being able to celebrate special family events and milestones like birthdays, school concerts, sports matches and anniversaries in person. And it’s just as wonderful to be there for the little everyday moments, which mean as much as the big ones.

3. Help your kids with their kids
Living close to family means you’re also available to lend a hand when necessary. And that could be anything from picking up groceries to fetching your grandchildren from school or walking the family dog. With many households having two working parents these days, there’s a greater need than ever for strong family networks to share the load. And speaking of support…

4. Enjoy support when you need it
Perhaps the most comforting part of living close to family is that they’re always a short drive ­away should you need help with anything from daily tasks through to a medical emergency. And having that peace of mind can certainly improve your quality of life as you grow older.