Moving Abroad: Happiness is Calling Your Name Even After 50

There’s a moment when you look around at the life you’ve built and realize: this doesn’t feel like home anymore. Maybe it never really did. The long hours, the endless bills, the feeling that you’re running on a treadmill that’s only speeding up. You tell yourself: “this is just how it is”. This is what you worked for, right? The so-called American Dream. But what if it isn’t? What if you’ve spent years climbing a ladder that’s leaning against the wrong wall?

What if I left? What if I started over? To answer my American friends who, from coast to coast, share with me the thought of relocating this year, I would say: Why not! Not in a dramatic, reckless way, but in a conscious, intentional decision to reclaim your time, your energy, your happiness. The idea of moving abroad, especially after 50, might seem absurd at first, too risky, too late. But what if it’s exactly the right time?

Interest in leaving the U.S. is especially high in coastal cities, with nearly half (47%) of Los Angeles residents and 35% of New Yorkers considering an international move. Demographic trends show that younger Americans are the most eager to emigrate, with 40% of those aged 16 to 24 exploring relocation options, while only 14% of individuals 55 and older share the same inclination.

According to the latest report from prestigious Immigration agencies, a staggering 25% of Americans are contemplating relocating abroad, with Google searches for terms like “moving abroad” and “how to emigrate” reaching record highs in 2024.

This isn’t about running away—it’s about finally choosing how you want to live. And if that little voice inside you is whispering go, maybe it’s time to listen.

The landscape changed this year and one in four Americans reevaluate their life choices considering relocation as a viable path to a better life.

Happiness: Europe Ranks First

I know Europe well and I really enjoy its slower pace, deep cultural roots but what surprised me most is the focus on quality of life. You are not expected to work weekends or all hours of the day. There is a clear definition between work and family and friends quality time. There is no work obsession and if you are ready to have a life beyond working hours, Europe is a safe heaven, a refuge for those seeking a better life.

I love these cobblestone streets and the rush hour in congested cities is nothing but a fading memory. Sipping a perfectly brewed coffee at a café on the corner of my street and watching the world go by at its own unhurried pace. Nobody’s rushing you out. I often take a long lunch break at a local restaurant, sinking into the pages of a captivating new book, letting the world fade away as I get lost in the story.

European cities prioritize pedestrian-friendly design and cycling infrastructure, meaning children can often bike to school without parents worrying about reckless drivers. Public transportation is efficient and safe, allowing even teenagers to navigate their cities independently.

A Life Without Fear

While no country is crime-free, many European cities have a level of public security that makes going out after dark, solo walks and even children’s independence feel natural rather than risky.

In Nordic countries like Finland, Denmark and Norway, it’s common to see young children walking to school alone, even in the winter darkness. In cities like Vienna, Zurich and Amsterdam, women frequently take public transport late at night without fear of harassment.

What makes Europe safer ? Several factors contribute to this overall sense of security:

• Gun Control Laws: Countries like the UK, Germany, and France have strict regulations on firearm ownership, drastically reducing the likelihood of gun-related violence compared to the U.S.
• Strong Social Safety Nets: Lower levels of extreme poverty and homelessness reduce the desperation that often fuels petty crime.
• Urban Design: Well-lit streets, mixed-use neighborhoods and late-night public transit options keep people out and about, creating a natural sense of security.
• Cultural Attitudes: Respect for personal space and low tolerance for aggressive behavior create an environment where street harassment is far less common.

Feeling safe isn’t just about crime statistics; it’s about the freedom to move without anxiety, to exist, to enjoy life without constant fear. Whether you’re a single woman looking for a better life or a family seeking a healthier environment for your kids, you can go out for dinner and return home after dark, feeling safe.

Europe offers a level of security that makes everyday life more relaxed, more joyful, and, ultimately, more exciting.

Isn’t that what we all want? To live without fear, to walk freely and to finally feel at home in the world. Europe taught me that life is worth living, work doesn’t define your worth and the new normal is saying Yes! to life when is asking me to finally have time for myself.

The World Happiness Report, an annual publication that ranks countries based on citizens’ self-reported happiness, has consistently highlighted Europe’s prominence in global happiness rankings. In the 2024 report, Finland was voted the happiest country in the world for the fifth straight year, joined by other European nations in the top tiers. 

The American Dream

European countries often score high on factors such as social support, life expectancy, freedom to make life choices and low levels of corruption. In contrast, the United States did not rank in the top 20 of the world’s happiest countries, landing in 23rd place, dropping from previous years. 

In recent months, many Americans have found themselves questioning the reality of the promised traditional “American Dream.” Rising dissatisfaction with various aspects of life in the United States has led some to consider relocating in search of greater happiness and well-being. We explored the factors contributing to this shift, supported by 2025 statistics and scientific research on happiness.

As of early 2025, national satisfaction in the United States has reached record low levels. A Gallup survey conducted in January 2025 revealed that Americans’ satisfaction with the conditions in the U.S. hovers at just 38%. Dissatisfaction is particularly high concerning efforts to address poverty and homelessness, while areas like military strength and overall quality of life received more favorable ratings. 

Scientific Insights into Expats Happiness

Scientific research supports the notion that relocating can have a positive impact on your well-being. Studies have found a positive correlation between life satisfaction of migrants and their duration of stay abroad.  This suggests that over time, expatriates often experience increased happiness as they integrate into their new environments.

Furthermore, research commissioned by AXA – Global Healthcare revealed that 67% of people who moved abroad found that the experience had affected them positively. The most popular reasons for moving overseas included better career opportunities, improved pay and benefits and a better work-life balance. 

Seeking Happiness Abroad

Personal stories often resonate more deeply than statistics. Many expats have shared with us their experiences of finding greater happiness after relocating to Europe. For instance, many expatriates reflected on their move to a “fairer” Europe, noting a high quality of life, excellent healthcare and a more equitable society. They expressed contentment with their decision, despite initial challenges and language barriers. 

Finland has consistently topped the World Happiness Report rankings, followed closely by Denmark, Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway. The ranking, based on data from the Gallup World Poll, is derived from survey responses to key life evaluation questions. But what does this actually mean for those considering a major life change, such as relocating to Europe after 50?

These countries rank highly not because of material wealth but due to factors like strong social support networks, high levels of trust in institutions, work-life balance, access to quality healthcare and a deep cultural emphasis on well-being. The Nordic model, in particular, prioritizes social cohesion, economic security and an overall sense of belonging, elements often missing from the high-stress, work-centric lifestyle that dominates in the U.S.

For someone contemplating a fresh start, Finland or its Nordic neighbors might not just be a beautiful backdrop for a new chapter, but the key to a longer, healthier and more fulfilling life. These countries invest heavily in community welfare, ensuring that residents, whether locals or expatriates, have access to healthcare, education and support systems that alleviate the anxieties so many Americans carry daily.

The question isn’t about where to go, but what you want from life. If happiness, security and balance matter more than climbing an endless career ladder, perhaps it’s time to consider uprooting yourself for something better.

The decision to relocate is deeply personal and multifaceted. I will always wonder if Canada could be my ideal home…If you are feeling lost in the pursuit of the American Dream, Europe is a compelling alternative. With higher national happiness rankings, supportive social structures and positive experiences reported by expatriates, relocating to Europe may offer a path to renewed happiness and well-being, even after 50.

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