Many believe that the digital nomad lifestyle is just for the youth. But with more opportunities for remote work and a changed view on retirement, older professionals are joining in location independence too. The number of remote workers leading a digital nomad life rose from 4.8 million in 2018 to 10.9 million in 2020. This shows a big jump in people choosing this path in recent years1.
Table of Contents
The typical digital nomad is around 32 years old. However, more mature professionals are starting to explore the travel and work lifestyle past the age of 50. For instance, Palle Bo, at 56, is breaking the idea that digital nomads are only in their 30s. These older digital nomads are saying goodbye to their office jobs and quiet homes to see the planet. They are looking for deeper personal happiness in their later life through these adventures2.
As senior digital entrepreneurs, we can turn our love for travel and remote work into something special. We can have careers in retirement travel that allow us to satisfy our wanderlust yet still make money. The growing interest in baby boomer digital nomadism shows that we can start at any age. This lifestyle offers excitement and satisfaction, no matter how many years we’ve lived2.
Key Takeaways
- Older professionals are increasingly embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, redefining retirement and location independence.
- The number of remote workers engaged in digital nomadism has more than doubled between 2018 and 2020.
- Senior digital entrepreneurs can combine their passion for travel with their remote work skills, creating fulfilling retirement travel careers.
- Age is just a number when it comes to embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, with many older professionals finding personal fulfillment and adventure in their later life.
- The rise of baby boomer digital nomadism demonstrates that the travel and work lifestyle is accessible to anyone, regardless of age.
Embracing the Digital Nomad Lifestyle After 50
We’re changing the way we look at living and working in later life. Becoming a digital nomad after 50 means we can enjoy freedom. Also, we can keep up the effort and earn through remote work2. More and more people our age are choosing to combine travel with work because we can live longer and healthier lives2.
For many, traditional retirement isn’t financially feasible. A report from Synchrony Bank shows the average retirement savings in the 60s is only $172,0003. Yet, by going digital, we get to enjoy the perks of working remotely. This means we can save more for our future2.
Project Untethered says 38% of U.S. digital nomads over 50 make over $75,000 yearly. At the same time, they enjoy a lower cost of living. Having a decent income, our vast professional networks, and years of experience adds to the appeal of being an older digital nomad2.
“The digital nomad lifestyle invites us to lean into the freedom and leisure that retirement promises while still maintaining the paycheck and purpose that work provides.” – A mature digital nomad
Starting this lifestyle after 50 does pose some challenges. These include staying close to family, managing health as we age, and adjusting to physical limits2. But with proper preparation, we can tackle these hurdles.
Before you set off, fix your budget, simplify your life, and prepare for remote work. Websites like Remote.co, Flexjobs, Upwork, and Fiverr are great for finding remote jobs suited to your skills3.
We, older digital nomads, must make our health a priority. This means watching what we eat, staying active, managing stress, and making sure we’re medically covered for any age-related health concerns23. Many of us embrace walking to stay fit and healthy2.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Don’t let age limit you | If you want to become a digital nomad, don’t put it off any longer. Embrace the opportunity to travel and work on your own terms. |
| Get travel insurance | Comprehensive medical coverage is essential for older digital nomads, ensuring you’re protected no matter where you are in the world. |
| Seek lower cost of living destinations | Choosing destinations with a lower cost of living can help stretch your savings further and allow you to enjoy a higher quality of life. |
By choosing the digital nomad path after 50, we redefine retirement. We follow our dreams and see the world while ensuring we still work. With the right plan and mindset, we can flourish as seasoned nomadic professionals.
The Rise of Older Digital Nomads
In recent years, the digital nomad lifestyle has become more popular. The number of digital nomads went from 4.8 million in 2018 to 10.9 million in 20201. Most digital nomads are around 32 years old on average, but there are more older ones now. People over 50, like 56-year-old Palle Bo, are exploring remote work and travel21. This change shows that older folks are looking for both work and travel in their later years.
Older digital nomads are increasing for a few reasons. One reason is the freedom to travel and earn money at the same time, which is very attractive to seniors2. The Facebook group “Digital Nomads Beyond 50” demonstrates the growing interest among older people1.
Redefining Retirement Plans
Retirement at 65 no longer fits everyone. A study found that Americans in their 60s have around $172,000 saved up. This is not a lot for most people to live on1. However, 38% of American digital nomads make more than $75,000 a year. This contrasts the idea that traditional retirement is the best option for everyone1.
Empty Nesters Seeking Adventure
When their kids leave home, many people in their 50s find themselves with more free time. This is known as being an “empty nester.” It lets them start a new adventure around the globe. This trend has led to more digital entrepreneurs in their senior years. These older nomads can also enjoy special privileges, like earning extra rewards when they use AARP and Exxon Mobil Rewards+™ together4.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | New AARP members to the Exxon Mobil Rewards+ program receive a 500-point welcome bonus after their first fill-up4 |
| Double Points | AARP members earn double the Exxon Mobil Rewards+ points on a single fill-up on specific days, such as May 22nd4 |
| Redemption Options | Points accrued can be used for fuel, car washes, or store items, with every 100 points translating into $1 in savings4 |
There are unique challenges for older digital nomads. They have to find ways to stay close to their families and friends. It’s also important to focus on health when living a travel-heavy lifestyle. Choosing the right travel insurance and affordable places to live is key. This helps seniors follow their dreams of traveling and working remotely in their later years2.
Advantages of Being an Older Digital Nomad
The digital nomad lifestyle is getting more popular. Now, many mature professionals are seeing the benefits2. It used to be mainly for people in their 20s and 30s. But now, even those over 50 are finding it suits them2. They have a lot of life experience, helping them enjoy and learn from different cultures5.
Financial stability is a big plus for older digital nomads. Their years of working have built up savings. They can also reduce their living costs in other countries5. This gives them freedom to choose better places to stay. They can look for fast wifi and other comforts that they enjoy now, which might not have mattered to them when they were younger6.
Extensive Professional Networks and Experience
Many older digital nomads have big professional networks and lots of experience. This helps them find work easily and connect with others5. Their knowledge is very helpful when dealing with remote work challenges and new places.
Greater Appreciation for Cultural Experiences
Getting older means valuing new cultures and deep connections more. Senior digital entrepreneurs focus on real, deep interactions while they travel6. They see the digital nomad life as a chance to grow personally and freely enjoy life5.
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Financial Stability | Years of professional experience and savings provide a solid financial foundation for older digital nomads, allowing them to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while traveling. |
| Extensive Networks | Mature nomadic professionals have built extensive professional networks over the years, making it easier to secure remote work opportunities and collaborate with others in their field. |
| Cultural Appreciation | With age comes a greater appreciation for immersing oneself in new cultures, forging meaningful connections, and prioritizing authentic experiences over superficial tourist activities. |
Being an older digital nomad has its challenges. These include keeping in touch with family and staying healthy2. But, for many older digital entrepreneurs, the good parts are better than the bad. They use their experience and financial security to enjoy new cultures. This way, they are changing how we think about combining work with life in today’s world.
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Challenges Faced by Mature Nomadic Professionals
Senior digital nomads face different hurdles than younger ones as they start late-life journeys into location independence. The dream of working in retirement from around the world is very attractive. But, it takes being flexible and strong to handle this kind of lifestyle.
For older nomads, keeping in touch with family and friends is a big challenge. Moving around can be hard because it means leaving people behind and making new friends in new places5. It’s important to balance freedom and connection with those you love for a happy life on the move.
Adapting to New Technologies
Being good with technology is key for success in today’s digital world. Yet, older nomads find learning new tools hard. They need to catch up with the fast-paced tech world even though they have lots of experience5.
But, they have many helpful resources to turn to. There are online courses, tutorials, and online communities to help them. By being patient and ready to learn, they can beat tech challenges and enjoy their work and travel lives in retirement.
Balancing Travel and Family Obligations
Family responsibilities grow as people get older. Senior nomads might have older parents, adult kids, or grandkids to look after. Balancing travel wishes with family needs is hard but important.
A lot of digital nomads are over 386. As they get into their 50s, marriage and children start to influence how much they travel6. Talking with family and good planning can help them find the right mix between seeing the world and being there for their families.
| Challenge | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Maintaining connections with loved ones | Schedule regular video calls, send thoughtful gifts, and plan visits when possible |
| Adapting to new technologies | Invest time in learning through online courses, tutorials, and seeking support from tech-savvy peers |
| Balancing travel and family obligations | Communicate openly with family, plan trips around important events, and consider slower travel pace |
Even with these hurdles, many older digital nomads have found a way to make their independent travel dreams come true. By being strong, flexible, and positive, they craft rewarding careers in travel for their retirement. With the right approach, anyone can make the most of their later years on the move.
Essential Skills for Senior Digital Entrepreneurs
Switching to a digital nomad life after 50 can look tough, but it’s doable. Those over 50 have a lot of skills to make it in remote work and travel7. Forbes says most digital nomads are above 386. Sixty percent of all job levels want to work as digital nomads in 1-3 years. More than half want to start in 6-12 months. And those over 56 are the most interested8.
It’s key for older nomads to get ready for the road’s challenges. Getting your finances and travel insurance in order is a must7. Getting over long flights might be hard. It’s wise to plan your trips with this in mind6.
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Finding a good work-life balance is tough. Issues like being alone, getting tired from making choices, and needing some level of routine arise8. Yet, sticking with it and being flexible can help overcome these hurdles7. Using smart money tips and making the most of your income is vital for older nomadic workers7.
Age shouldn’t stop you from being a digital nomad. With the right skills and attitude, you can have freedom in your later years7.
Some key skills for senior digital entrepreneurs are:
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Strong communication skills
- Time management and organization
- Technological proficiency
- Networking and relationship building
Remember, there’s a whole community of senior digital nomads out there. They’re willing to help you start your adventure7. Age shouldn’t hold you back. Grab the chance to shape your life the way you want.
Finding Remote Work Opportunities for Experienced Professionals
Experienced digital pros who now travel during retirement need the right remote work. They have lots of knowledge and many contacts. So, they can easily find jobs that let them travel while working.
To find remote work after retiring, use your pro network. Ask old friends and colleagues about freelance work. Your vast experience and special skills are a big plus for companies needing expert help9.
Embracing Freelance and Consulting Roles
Freelancing and consulting fit well for older digital nomads. These roles offer both flexibility and a good income. Fiverr and Upwork are great for finding jobs like writing, design, and digital marketing10.
Good remote roles for experienced people include:
- Interpreter
- Virtual assistant
- Patient advocate
- Customer service representative
- Dietitian
- Online tutor
- Writer/editor/blogger
- Accountant
- Financial manager
- Financial advisor9
Being a virtual assistant can be a great fit for seniors who like to travel. It includes tasks like sorting social media, finding keywords, and having flexible work hours10.
Leveraging Your Expertise and Industry Connections
When looking for remote jobs, show off your unique skills and connections. Build a great online profile that highlights your expertise. This shows potential clients or bosses what you can do for them.
| Remote Job Search Platform | Key Features |
|---|---|
| FlexJobs | Vetted remote job listings, career coaching, skills tests |
| Indeed (Remote filter) | Vast database of job listings, company reviews, salary information |
| LinkedIn (Remote filter) | Professional networking, job search, industry news and insights9 |
| Remote Rocketship | Nearly 30,000 work from home roles currently listed10 |
Combine your work experience with remote job flexibility to create a great post-retirement life. There are many chances for senior digital pros out there. Let your skills and connections lead you to fulfilling remote job opportunities.
Best Destinations for Digital Nomads Beyond 50
More and more seasoned professionals are combining travel with work. They are looking for the perfect place. And with over 50 countries now offering special visas for remote work11, there are many options. For those over 50, it’s wise to pick a place with strong bases like good healthcare, a supportive community, and chances to meet others like them.
According to VisaGuide and Club Med, some of the top choices are Thailand, Spain, Japan, Mexico, Argentina, Portugal, and Croatia11. These places are not only friendly and affordable but also have a big digital nomad community. Spain is especially popular, ranking as the best country for this lifestyle11.
Countries with Strong Infrastructure and Healthcare
For a retirement that includes travel and work, it’s key to pick countries with easy entry rules and good health support. Interestingly, many countries care about making the move easy for digital nomads over 5012. For example, Portugal has multiple visas for digital nomads and its healthcare is top-notch11.
Expat Communities and Social Opportunities
It’s crucial for those over 50 to find places with people they can connect with. Many great spots for this group have strong communities and ways to meet new friends12. Mexico is very welcoming, allowing remote work for long stays or even residency11. This lets nomads fully experience the local life and make deep connections.
| Country | Digital Nomad Visa Duration | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | Up to 1 year | Vibrant culture, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine |
| Japan | Up to 6 months | Technological advancements, rich history, natural beauty |
| Portugal | Various durations available | Picturesque landscapes, premium healthcare, welcoming locals |
| Croatia | Up to 1 year (with monthly income threshold) | Stunning coastline, ancient ruins, Mediterranean climate |
The ideal spots for digital nomads over 50 are those that meet their specific needs. Places with good basics, a friendly community, and ways to socialize capture their hearts. This lets older nomads truly enjoy a mix of travel and work, making the most of their later career moves.
Budgeting and Financial Planning for Retirement Travel Careers
Starting on the path of being older digital nomads is exciting. This includes taking up remote work after retirement and aiming for retirement travel careers. Planning your finances is key to making your later life location independence both enjoyable and feasible. Begin by checking your savings, estimating monthly costs in your chosen spots, and balancing your current needs with saving for the future.
Face the fact that the part of your earnings you put towards taxes changes from one place to another13. Digital nomads often divide their budget for a month among housing, utilities, work expenses, groceries, and insurance13. Notably, many also make sure to save and invest from their earnings13.
For example, think about a digital nomad making $3,500 monthly. Let’s plan their budget for a month in Peru14:
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Lodging | $600 |
| Groceries and Dining | $400 |
| Sightseeing and Entertainment | $450 |
| Transportation | $450 |
| Travel Insurance | $50 |
| Emergency Savings | $250 |
| Savings and Investments | $700 |
Digital nomads often choose the 50/30/20 method for budgeting. This means spending half their income on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on saving and paying off debts. They also use systems like envelope budgeting, which involves setting specific amounts for different types of expenses14. Using budgeting apps to monitor spending and being financially a month ahead are wise moves for digital nomads14.
Handling international taxes and bank issues can be tricky. It’s smart to talk with a financial advisor who knows about digital nomads or expats. They can explain tax deals between countries, something many digital nomads understand13. Plus, they can help you deal with foreign transaction fees and consider the benefits of having a local bank account in where you’re living, as many do13.
While planning for the financial future, it’s crucial to have an emergency fund. This should cover three to six months of your usual income. Looking into international savings accounts for retirement is also a good strategy, followed by many digital nomads13. By being diligent and adaptable with budgeting and finance, you can chase your dreams of remote work after retirement. Enjoy the freedom of later life location independence.
Staying Healthy and Fit While Traveling as an Older Digital Nomad
Heading out on long-awaited journeys, we older digital nomads need to think about our health. The folks we usually think of as world travelers are often younger. But now, older professionals are choosing this path1. It’s tough to stay healthy when you’re always on the move. This challenge is even bigger for older travelers2. So, picking travel insurance that truly protects us worldwide is key2.
Maintaining a Balanced Diet on the Road
When we visit new places, it’s hard not to eat everything in sight. But eating well keeps us feeling great. The goal is to choose nourishing foods even when tasty treats call our names2. Fresh fruits and veggies, along with lean meats, are your best friends. And drink plenty of water. By being mindful of what we eat, we enjoy the journey more.
Incorporating Exercise and Wellness Routines
Keeping fit is crucial for us older digital nomads. Luckily, exercise can be part of our travel adventures. Try to walk more and use taxis less when exploring2. Even if we can’t walk all the way, a short stroll followed by a ride is still good. Swimming is perfect for staying active and easy on your body. See if your place to stay has a pool or buy a day pass at a nearby hotel2. And don’t forget about activities like yoga or meditation. They make a big difference in how we feel on the road. With exercise and self-care, our retirement trips can be everything we hope for.
FAQ
What is the average age of a digital nomad, and are there many older digital nomads?
What are some of the benefits of being an older digital nomad?
What challenges might older digital nomads face?
What types of remote jobs are well-suited for experienced professionals?
What are some of the best destinations for digital nomads beyond 50?
How can older digital nomads stay healthy and fit while traveling?
Source Links
- https://www.ageist.com/money/jobs/digital-nomads-post-pandemic-grow-up-the-rise-of-digital-nomads-over-50/
- https://digitalnomadandadog.com/older-digital-nomads/
- https://nomadafterfifty.com/embracing-the-digital-nomad-life-after-50-complete-guide/
- https://www.aarp.org/work/careers/remote-work-travel-explore/
- https://digitalnomads.world/tips/senior-nomads/
- https://nomadflag.com/older-digital-nomads/
- https://nomadafterfifty.com/how-to-become-silver-nomad-journey-beyond-50/
- https://aquent.com/blog/supporting-freedom-how-to-invest-in-a-digital-nomad
- https://expertvagabond.com/digital-nomad-tips/
- https://absolutelylucy.com/digital-nomad-jobs/
- https://abill.io/en/blog/top-destinations-for-digital-nomads-in-2024/
- https://nomadlist.com/
- https://www.deel.com/blog/money-management-for-digital-nomads
- https://frayedpassport.com/budget-ideas-for-digital-nomads/
