On reaching retirement, some like to move house, if employment has kept them tied to industrial surroundings. A more salubrious area will be sought. That decision too must be given prayerful and careful thought.
We have all seen the ideal retirement property, often when on our summer holidays. It looked idyllic, the Elysium of our dreams; but remember, even those rose-covered cottages look somewhat different in November!
And don't put too great a distance between you and your friends and your relatives, (unless of course you want to!). Reasonably easy access for visits both ways will save one from a sense of isolation, and here is a rather mischievous thought - if you do move to the seaside or some other beauty spot, you will be surprised at the number of friends you have, particularly in the summer-time. Perhaps a Bed & Breakfast sign might give your over-eager visitors a gentle hint!
When you have decided on the area, the position of the residence is important. As it may be the last one you will have, it is essential to get it right, because further moves are expensive when living on a fixed income.
A priority for the Christian will be the consideration of its proximity to the local church. This sounds obvious, but it is often overlooked. One should also check bus routes, local shops and amenities; and don't choose a hilly district, because the law of gravity tends to have a grudge against the over-sixties!
In places where property is expensive, it might be feasible for retired couples to share. With the possibility of selling former property, finance could be released for necessary adaptations to ensure privacy where needed; but considerable savings could be made on running costs. Fuel, telephone expenses and even a car could be shared, and in time of difficulty help would be on hand.
This scheme would have some problems and would only work where the relationship was very good, maybe with in-laws or with friends of long standing where they were comfortable with one another.
A foreseen possibility is when one of the partners dies; for instance the wife of one and then later the husband of the other. This might cause embarrassment... or maybe not!