Does it get harder as you get older?
 

Wonder if anyone can relate to this. Been in Australia (Perth) for a while now. The first few years you are busy getting yourself sorted with the house, kids in school, job etc, so you don't even think about being homesick or going back. You then go through a phase of a few years where you say "I'll never go back to the UK." Then as the years go by further, the blandness of the place starts to get to you and you think "god I don't want to retire here." At the same time your kids are talking about heading to Melbourne, Sydney or Europe, and you think that you are going to be left here on your ownio.

Me and the wife are now avid followers of the BE France forum. It would amaze you what you could buy a house for there, and still live on the change. Surely we are not alone in our thinking here?

Re: Does it get harder as you get older?
 

Whilst Perth may get this more than any other city in Aus, I don't think it's a 'Perth' thing. I think it could be said of any town/village/small city anywhere. Familiarity can breed contempt and it wouldn't be normal for children to all want to stay in their home town. They are supposed to want to spread their wings and the parents are left 'home alone'.

Re: Does it get harder as you get older?
 

We bought a house in France to live in long term a few months ago near Beziers. So cheap! And after four years of the bungaloid modernity of small town Queensland the town just looks amazingly stylish and atmospheric. We (fingers crossed) should have our permanent residency visa in 3 months time now and will be heading off to France to re-furbish the new house. The PR will be a nice insurance policy to have if we decide to return to Oz for two years (out of five) to keep it up. In response to your initial question I imagine you start thinking 'what do I want to pack into my life' as you get older. If the thought of aging/deteriorating in Oz brings on a panic attack then it's time to take the plunge! Bon chance :thumbsup:

Re: Does it get harder as you get older?
 

I'm so sorry but I thought this was a Viagra thread. :rofl:

Re: Does it get harder as you get older?
 

Depends on the individual!
I'm a long term Australian resident, but I've also lived in Spain, NYC and currently living in San Francisco. We are due to retire this year. Our son lives in Brisbane and we have a house there. To be honest I am so looking forward to going back and seeing my son and spending time in a house instead of an apartment, but the thought of staying there long term terrifies me! I am researching at the moment whether it's feasible to live six months in Australia and 6 months in Spain. I'm rather hoping that I will get back to Brisbane and never want to leave, but in my heart I know that is not the case. Some people just never adapt to the Australian way of life

Re: Does it get harder as you get older?
 

Was in France on vacation last year. Yes I agree......we looked at beautiful properties that could be bought for around 100.000 Euros. Nothing, compared to the price of an average house in Australia.

Re: Does it get harder as you get older?
 

So did I.
I was going to say yes but decreases in size.

Re: Does it get harder as you get older?
 

Its not the size of the boat, but the motion of the ocean...

Or some other cliche made up by an underendowed MAN..


Having said that... I feel most women Can put up with a bit of shrinkage overall when Taking into account the advantages of experience...

Re: Does it get harder as you get older?
 

You certainly aren't the first person to point out the blandness of Perth and definitely won't be the last. It has a lot to do with the isolation I think, some love it of course, easily pleased I think :lol:

Re: Does it get harder as you get older?
 

That's nice of you to say.However.When you combine shrinkage,slackage and creaky hips.Is it worth setting sail:D

Re: Does it get harder as you get older?
 

Dunno... HIS hips don't creak


Yet


Cast off Captain!!!!

Re: Does it get harder as you get older?
 

But if you think about it, you (maybe) did the same to your parents, so it's no different now.

Spending time in another country is an option, so why not? The reversal of the AUD against other currencies and making money on your property has made this a reality for many people.

Re: Does it get harder as you get older?
 

Not in my experience.

Re: Does it get harder as you get older?
 

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

Re: Does it get harder as you get older?
 

That's an interesting idea. We are in our 60s and came to Perth to join our daughter and spend time with our first grandchild, but had intended to retire to Spain before she emigrated here. We are also wondering whether we can actually afford to live here long term. Wonder if you would be kind enough to post any info re your findings. I imagine the tax situation would be a nightmare.