Over 40, Taking Names, Claiming Joy, and Butchering Languages Like a Boss

Unlocking the Secrets to Health & Happiness While Living Abroad

Turning 40 doesn’t mean waving a tearful goodbye to your youth and health (cue dramatic violins).

Quite the opposite, in fact—it’s the perfect time to embrace life with all the zest of a 20-year-old but with none of their questionable decisions.

And for those of us who have that itch for adventure, why not upgrade your midlife reinvention by adding a passport to the mix?

Living abroad can be as life-changing as it is health-transforming… but it does come with its quirks (spoiler: not all croissants are created equal—looking at you, Paris).

So whether you’re a daydreamer plotting your escape to Bali or someone who’s already Googling “how to say kale salad in Spanish,” this guide is packed with actionable advice and enough motivation to keep you thriving no matter what time zone you’re in.

Why Women Over 40 Should Prioritize Health While Living Abroad

Let’s get real for a second—our bodies at 40+ aren’t necessarily as forgiving as they were two decades ago.

(Remember when you could eat an entire pizza at 1 AM and still fit into jeans the next morning? Good times.)

Once you cross into the fabulous 40s, prioritizing health while also balancing the cultural chaos of moving abroad becomes, dare I say, essential.

Here’s the thing: moving abroad is like starring in your own reality show.

It’s fun, exciting, and, occasionally, a total trainwreck.

As your body adjusts to new cuisines, a different pace of life, and maybe even a few extra margaritas by the beach, you need a strategy to stay on top of your health game.

Why?

Because whether you’re hiking the Amalfi Coast or just navigating the yoga scene in Costa Rica, your energy levels are what fuel your adventures.

Eating Well Abroad: Tips for Navigating Foreign Cuisines

So, you’re strolling through a local farmers’ market in Thailand, surrounded by exotic fruits you can barely pronounce.

Cool vibes, but now comes the big question:

HOW do you stay healthy when everything new looks equal parts delicious and calorie-packed?

Spoiler warning: Noodles the size of your head may not exactly scream “balanced diet.”

1. Embrace Local Superfoods

Every country has its health rockstars.

In Japan, it’s matcha and miso.

In Greece, it’s their liquid sunshine (aka olive oil).

In Brazil, acai berries are practically a national treasure.

Exploring local superfoods is an easy, budget-friendly way to fuel your body.

Bonus: buying these at local markets will make you feel like an expat goddess.

2. Don’t Fear the Unknown

Unless “unknown” comes fried on a stick, then maybe proceed with caution.

Expanding your diet while living abroad can do wonders for your gut health, especially if you’re introducing probiotics (hello, kimchi and yogurt).

But balance is key.

For every bowl of pho, toss in a side of greens (nod knowingly at your internal organs—they’ll thank you).

I once had a very adventurous friend who traveled extensively.

He was my globe-trotting hero, roaming the far corners of the earth without fear (or sense, sometimes).

I was always ready for the crazy stories about his love for curious street food everywhere.

He even once said that the food “tasted better” where there’s dirt and the people don’t wash their hands.

I lie to you not.

There weren’t enough eye-rolls and almost gagging I could have done when he said this.

But, at least, he was fearless (*shrugs*)

3. Learn the Language (or Cheat with Apps Like Google Translate)

Yes, deciphering a menu in Italian seems romantic until you accidentally order a cheese platter masquerading as a salad.

Knowing food-related phrases like “no fried,” “no processed sugar,” or “bring me ALL the vegetables!” can save you from spiraling into carb oblivion.

Staying Active in Your New Home: Local Workouts & Walking Adventures

Before you roll your eyes and say, “Walking is NOT working out,” let me introduce you to Lisbon.

One stroll up its steep cobblestone streets and you’ll soon realize every expat in Portugal should probably own a Fitbit.

1. Turn the City into Your Gym

Take a cue from the locals in walking-friendly cities like Paris, Tokyo, and Amsterdam.

Whether it’s climbing temple stairs in Kyoto, hiking volcanic trails in Bali, or speed-walking through European train stations (hello, cardio payload), you’re burning calories without even noticing.

2. Join Local Fitness Classes

From Zumba in Mexico City to tai chi sessions in Beijing, most cities offer group workout scenes that are expat-friendly and cost next to nothing.

Bonus: you might make a new friend who knows where to find the good wine.

3. Sweat with Apps if You’re Shy

Not ready to interact with locals in spandex? (Totally fair).

Fitness apps like ClassPass have global reach and let you crush your fitness goals from the privacy of a room you’ve overpaid for on Airbnb. Win-win.

Managing Stress: Mindfulness Practices That Travel With You

Stress is like that mildly annoying ex—it shows up uninvited, often ruining perfectly good days.

Packing up your life to move abroad comes with its fair share of stressors: culture shock, language barriers, and the inevitable confusion that occurs when you realize Europeans don’t refrigerate their eggs.

But, darling, you’re over 40.

You’ve survived worse.

Here’s how to handle stress like an international wellness queen:

1. Portable Zen with Breathwork

The beauty of mindful breathing?

It works anywhere.

(Yes, even when your neighbor in Germany decides 11 PM is prime Rammstein jam time.)

Apps like Headspace and Calm can guide you through quick breathing exercises to instantly lower your heart rate.

2. Get into Journaling

Nothing helps defeat overwhelm better than brain-dumping your thoughts onto paper.

Plus, journaling feels oh-so-bohemian when done in a quaint Parisian café while you sip overpriced espresso.

3. Seek Serotonin in Nature

Whether it’s strolling on Costa Rican beaches or meditating under a cherry blossom tree in Japan, nature is the world’s cheapest therapist.

Tap into local parks, beaches, or even quiet mountain trails for a mental detox.

Wellness Trends Around the World You NEED to Try

Want to outshine even Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop-approved wellness habits?

From Swedish cold plunges to Ayurvedic detoxes in India, expat life offers a smorgasbord of trends.

1. Turkish Hammams

Why sweat through a pricey SoulCycle session when you can sweat elegantly in a centuries-old Turkish bathhouse?

It’s exfoliation meets detox, and your skin will glow like it’s 1999.

2. Yoga Retreats in Bali

Cliché?

Maybe.

Effective?

Absolutely.

Imagine waking up to the sound of rainforest rain while perfecting your downward dog.

Is this peak wellness?

Jury’s out, but it feels luxurious.

3. Scandinavian Saunas

The Finns don’t joke around when it comes to sweating it out.

A sauna session followed by a chilly plunge in a Nordic lake is the perfect combo of mystic wellness and hypothermic courage.

Final Thoughts: Thriving After 40 is a Passport Stamp Away

Here’s the tea: living abroad is transformative, but it doesn’t have to come at the cost of your health.

In fact, stepping into a new chapter overseas could be the very thing that takes your wellness goals from “meh” to magical.

Keep moving, keep eating the rainbow (and not just in the form of macarons), and remember, putting your health first doesn’t mean you can’t also sip a piña colada at sunset.

Have you made the leap abroad and found your perfect wellness groove?

Share your tips, tricks, and favorite expat moments in the comments below.

Because if there’s one thing we women over 40 know, it’s the value of lifting each other up—one healthy habit and passport stamp at a time. 🌍 ✈️ 🍍