Settling down in a new place after retirement and living a quiet, contented life - is something many senior citizens dream about. Is it always feasible to work such an arrangement out for those nearing retirement or new retirees? We give you a run-down of the plusses and minuses of relocating post-sixty and the factors one must consider before deciding to move cities.

The lure of a new location has a charm of its own. You visit a city on holiday and fall in love with the idyllic surroundings, crisp air, and the serenity it offers as a wholesome package. You long to shun the bustle of life back home and wish to adopt such a lifestyle after retirement. However, there are a few factors to consider before relocating for good.

Eight checks are to be done before relocating post-retirement:

1. Will the cost of living be higher or lower?

If you're living in a tier one city, moving to a tier two or tier three city will cut down the monthly expenses to a significant extent. That's a big plus for retirees who depend on a pension or limited savings to fall back on for living expenditures. A good idea to evaluate the cost-effectiveness would be to chart an actual and estimated expense sheet for both cities.

2. Will the weather be too hot or cold?

If you've lived in a humid place all your life, it might be difficult for the body to adjust to cooler climes in your sixties and vice-versa. Spending a few days in a hill station is not the same as living the rest of your life there. So, bear in mind the climatic condition of the place at all times of the year. Even if there are just a few months of heat or cold, please evaluate and prepare yourself accordingly.

3. How different will your life be?

A relocation to a smaller town could bring in lifestyle changes. The place in consideration might not have a robust transport network, which might mean adopting alternative modes of commuting. It could be walking to or cycling to stores for daily groceries or investing in a vehicle for ease and convenience. Either way, this needs a thorough thought. If you're used to online deliveries or prefer using particular brands, it is worthwhile to find out if these are available in your chosen location or if you don't mind giving up some creature comforts.

4. Can you pursue your hobbies or have a source of income?

While the idea of doing nothing after retirement sounds appealing, life can soon get monotonous, especially in a new city where you are yet to grow roots. The mind yearns for fulfillment that comes from productive work. Plus, considering the average life expectancy of Indians is increasing, it would be prudent to think of avenues of income that will serve as a financial cushion. It is not rare to meet seniors who have turned their careers into a consultancy business after retirement. Alternatively, you could invest your time in pursuing hobbies or cultivating new areas of interest and reap rich returns.

5. Do you have people you know?

We are social animals. No matter how much we yearn for solitude, we return to seek friends and family for companionship and a sense of belonging. A new town or city can be easier to adapt to if one already has family and friends living there or is willing to cultivate new connections.

6. Are the medical facilities good?

The availability of competent doctors and hospitals that are well-equipped to deal with all types of medical emergencies is a crucial aspect to consider before deciding to relocate. One cannot emphasize enough the importance of having quick and efficient medical assistance as we age. It is one thing to consult a family doctor in your current location and another to find another that meets your needs and beliefs about medication.

7. When to relocate?

Moving to a new place in your late fifties or early sixties gives you better chances of adapting well than when you do later. The body and mind get used to familiarity and resist change as we age. It could take a few months to a few years to fully accept and adapt to a new environment, make new connections, and settle down. So, one must allot sufficient time to get used to the newness and enjoy the changes.

8. Should you buy or rent?

One of the best ways to evaluate the feasibility of relocating to a new city is to rent a home for at least a year. This way, you can experience living without having to give up the life you've built in your original city. It is also a great way to get a first-hand experience of all the above factors without having to go by data provided by others.