Is 62 too old to move to Portland by yourself? (Ellsworth: schools, colleges)

[Keithk0721]

I have lived in Washington DC for 22 years and want to move to Portland Maine. Is being 62 too old to move to Portland by myself?

[carnivalday]

I dont know what that means. I dont think theres an age limit in Portland.

[svband76]

There are many 100+ years of age living happily in Maine. I hope to be one someday...

[OutdoorLover]

Keith may be asking about what the social climate is for newcomers, if they're readily accepted into the community?

[mainegrl2011]

To the OP... my first reaction was a chuckle and then laughter. ... are you too old for a new adventure? If you move, have an escape plan in case things don't work out the way you hoped and dreamed they would. This forum has posts about senior activities (search) and acceptance is a two way street, isnt it? .... around the state so I'm not going to list them all here. There are also activities where being a senior isn't a requirement. I hope you find what you are looking for. There's always a shortage of men (Keith is a man correct?) at dances--so thats a great place to start making new friends.... if you dont dance, sign up for lessons

[mainegrl2011]

Originally Posted by carnivalday

i dont know what that means. I dont think theres an age limit in portland.

the laughter face with the mouth full of teeth refused to insert correctly.

[movintime]

I think the OP means as you age will it be harder to assimilate & meet new people, etc. due to age & a smaller circle of possible choices of friends. Unless you've lived somewhere a long time or... worked there awhile, then coming in near retirement age lessens one's chances, in my mind & experience, of meeting new folks. Again this isn't a warning per se but rather a frank commentary on what, not just I but, other's have told me & experienced as well.


I know as I got older I lost a ton of friends & having moved cross country in my 30s, even more, such that I have zero close friends. Most are just random aquaintances at best. Superfluous relationships develop w/ age rather than the seemingly close knit bonding that occurs growing up or sharing things like school or jobs with folks on a regular basis.


So, not to be a naysayer but I wouldn't move if I had a comfy or tolerable situation where I was, & certainly not w/out a significant other to help make the adjustment a bit easier -- having someone to fall back on should it be really difficult to establish those ties w/out the advantages of schools or jobs on a daily basis.


If, by all means, there's a job awaiting or a definitive "reason" then yes, clearly do it. Just so long as you know the parameters & that, unfortunately, odds are as we get older our circle or friends gets tighter & all too often smaller. I am being honest rather than paint a smoke n mirrors picture that it is a great idea.





Not all will agree w/ my assessment, I realize, yet it is only IMHO & may not reflect what the OP or other folks here think or could achieve.


Final caveat; I understand I know nothing re the OP's reasons so I'm painting a general broadbrush view. I could be way off the mark for this person & how they'd view relocation by one's self vs how I'd view it for myself.

[mainegrl2011]

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[mainegrl2011]

Movintime... things don't always work as hoped or planned. That's why i suggested an exit plan in case one is needed. You don't seem very courageous or adventurous... and you are not required to be either. The best vacation I ever had was by myself. I think if there is a problem, it will be more about a from away attitude rather than a lack of people within a particular age group. There are MANY seniors in Maine and not all of them are native to Maine. Senior colleges seem to be great for some. https://www.maineseniorcollege.org

Involvement in a church could be another option, dancing and dance classes, adult education courses, community events, volunteer work, jobs for seniors. Believe it or not, some businesses prefer hiring older workers and often part-time is an option.

Here is a link to a senior organization in Ellsworth as an example. http://friendsinactionellsworth.org

[OutdoorLover]

Regarding being accepted as an outsider, a newcomer, one thing I'd suggest is moving to a town with lots of other newcomers, people "from away". That would be mostly southern and mid-coast Maine, plus a few bigger cities.