Guard Against This Stressful Retirement Decision
Itchy rashes, depression, pounding headaches, stomach ulcers... older women in Japan are developing these and other stress-related medical issues by the score.
It's called "retired husband syndrome."
The name might sound laughable, but the issues are true of any couple facing retirement. Many psychologists point to retirement as one of the most stressful life events a couple can face.
Married couples entering retirement may not know what to do with their free time, how to manage their new lifestyle, or how to balance household chores and responsibilities.
Adding to that stress is a big decision all retirees face: whether or not to relocate.
Moving consistently ranks as one of the most stressful life events people face (along with the death of a loved one and divorce). But many retirees consider moving for various reasons.
Taxes are one good reason to consider relocating for retirement. You might also want to downsize to a smaller home, find a place that's all one level for easier mobility, or move somewhere with a more agreeable climate. If the kids have moved away, you might consider moving closer to them as well.
But sometimes, couples can't agree on where to move (or if they should move).
How to Decide Where to Retire
Start with the basics.
Here are a few questions you and your spouse should answer honestly. If you disagree, discuss how important it is to each of you and try to find a compromise.
- Can you afford to move? And if so, what if you want to move back?
- Do you want a small-town feel or a big city?
- Do you want to head for the mountains or the beach?
- What hobbies do you want to pursue, and do they require a certain setting (like fishing or golf)?
- Do you want a warmer climate or a cooler one?
- Do you want to stay in your state but try a different area?
- Do you simply want a smaller home instead of a full relocation?
- Do you want a retirement community (such as a 55-and-older neighborhood)?
- Do you want to stay within a certain distance of the kids? What about your friends and extended family?
Scope out local areas. Talk to family, friends, and co-workers. Chances are, someone you know has either moved or considered moving to a location you're considering.
Go for a drive or an extended trip to test potential areas. And don't be afraid to chat with the locals and even call up real estate agents.
One couple we spoke with called up a real estate agent for a property they happened to pass in Pennsylvania. Not only did the agent come out for a showing on a Sunday, but she also offered them insight into the rising homeowners' association fees. She also pointed out problems with the expensive man-made lake... It was so full of bacteria that locals couldn't even swim in it. It was the kind of insight our friends needed to decide to look elsewhere.
Check out our full report. We spent months sifting through data on all 50 states to determine the best states for retirement.
We looked at the following:
1. Taxes: Income tax, Social Security tax, sales tax, and inheritance and estate tax.
2. Housing Costs and Property Taxes: Median home values, along with the average property tax.
3. Cost of Living: Cost of groceries, utilities, and transportation.
4. Health Care Costs: Median monthly costs of a nursing home room, an in-home health aide, adult day care, and assisted living.
5. Health Care Quality: Life expectancy, age-adjusted mortality, physicians per 100,000 people, hospital beds per 1,000 people, and the percentage of "A-grade" hospitals.
6. Crime Rate: Property and violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
7. Climate: Average temperature, rainfall, snowfall, number of sunny days, and extreme weather risks.
We also factored in livability highlights like nightlife, golf, beaches, mountains, shopping, ease of transportation, proximity to the rest of the country, and each state's long-term fiscal stability.
Those are just some of the factors we analyzed for all 50 states to determine which are worth your retirement and which aren't.
Before you decide where to spend the rest of your life, read our report to know which states are which.
In our just-released 2026 edition of our Best States to Retire report, you'll find our 10 top picks – spread around the country, so you can retire close to family – along with five states you should avoid.
Click here to get your copy today.
What We're Reading...
- Something different: The nasal spray that reverses brain aging.
Here's to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,
Dr. David Eifrig and the Health & Wealth Bulletin Research Team
April 16, 2026