Asking Eric: Is a nomadic lifestyle feasible at 73?

Dear Eric: I am a 73-year-old widower trying to move past the death of my beloved wife three years ago. I will receive a sizable inheritance when my 94-year-old mother passes away. I have no family left, no siblings, no children, leaving me alone in the world — but not lonely.

I have a formidable support group of friends. They are wonderful. However, they are reluctant to offer any advice, and I am reluctant to ask for too much.

Here are the questions that I find myself grappling with:

Should I upgrade my lifestyle by purchasing a nicer home in a better area? Considering my age, would this be a wise choice or would assisted living be wiser?

How should I invest my money after the windfall? What are my options for estate planning, given that I have no immediate family?

Is remarriage a good idea after age 70?

I have a strong desire to travel and visit new places. Is a nomad lifestyle a feasible option at my age, and what should I consider before embarking on such an adventure?

—In Transition

Dear Transition: Many of these are great questions for a financial adviser and an estate planner, someone who is trained specifically to manage current and future financial decisions and can look at the specifics of your situation. This might be a low-lift ask of your friends — perhaps they’ve worked with someone they recommend. You can also search the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors database (napfa.org) for someone who matches your needs.

As you navigate the grief and upheaval surrounding your wife’s death, it’s natural to wonder what your life could look like going forward. Some days this might feel empowering; on others it could be overwhelming. You don’t have to make all the decisions at once, or even soon. Your next chapter can come one sentence at a time.

You might choose to pursue another relationship and later decide that you’d prefer to devote your energy to traveling solo. It’s fine to pivot. As you do, talk to your friends and the people that you meet — those in assisted living, folks with comprehensive estate plans, other senior travelers (AARP.org/travel is also a great resource for practical advice and inspiration, as is the blog SeniorNomads.com).

(Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.)