If you think of warm aquamarine waters lapping talcum-soft white sands when you think of Cancun, you’d be right. And if you picture the same image when you think of the Riviera Maya, you’re also right. At first glimpse, both hotspots look the same. It’s easy to see why they are always compared. But they…

Your home should be a refuge from the stresses of the outside world and a haven of peace and quiet in which you can recharge and rejuvenate. But if it’s as hectic as the rest of the world, this safe haven won’t provide the shelter you need. You will never be able to take a…

Are you thinking about moving to the west coast of Mexico, but aren’t sure where to go? You aren’t alone. And we are here to help. Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán are two cities that are often in the running. And for good reason. Both are long time vacation destinations, have fabulous infrastructure, English is widely…

Throughout the world, the average life expectancy is about 73 years old. But not in Blue Zones, where many people have a life expectancy of 100+ years. There are only a few in the world, and there is one Blue Zone in Costa Rica. But what makes these Blue Zones stand apart from their neighboring…

So, you’re moving to Mexico and thinking about how you’ll handle your healthcare. The country is known for its outstanding medical care, but what about insurance? Health insurance in Mexico for expats is essential.  Just because medical care is more affordable in Mexico doesn’t mean you should opt to pay out of pocket. It can…

Trying to decide between Cancun vs Tulum for retirement isn’t as easy as you think. Yes, they have totally different vibes which will dictate your lifestyle. Still, one may be perfect for a getaway while the other may be ideal for life.  On the other hand, the tried and true touristy one may not be…

It’s happening! You’ve decided to retire in Mexico! You’ve been dreaming about this for decades, and the time is finally now! You are bursting at the seams and telling everyone!  And their response? What? Are you insane? Mexico is dangerous! You’ll be kidnapped!  We know. We hear it time and time again. Mexico is not…

Are the rapidly rising costs of living in the US causing you to rethink your retirement? Ever consider moving to another country where your dollars stretch further? Mexico might be one of the most affordable and convenient places for Americans to move. But how much money do you need to retire in Mexico? Hang tight…

There are immeasurable benefits of retiring in Mexico. The one million American and Canadian expats who have retired there can’t all be wrong. It’s hands-down the easiest country for North Americans to move to without all the stress of going very far.  It’s challenging to move overseas but moving to Mexico has so many advantages…

Let’s face it. There is a reason Mexico, whether it’s Cabo or Puerto Vallarta, is so popular with travelers and expats alike. In a country where you can have your taco and eat it too, it’s not easy deciding which place to relocate and start a new chapter. The debate of Puerto Vallarta vs Cabo…

One of the best things I’ve done is move to Mexico. One of the most exciting things I’ve done is move to Mexico. One of the most challenging things I’ve done is move to Mexico. Packing up and moving across the border wasn’t just about relocating, it was also about rebooting my life, which basically…

Overcome your fears and retire in Mexico! The guest on this episode of Modern Aging is real estate agent Taniel Chemsian. You may have seen him on  HGTV’s House Hunters International!  Taniel shares tips on how to buy a house in Mexico and most importantly, things you need to be aware of before you purchase…

Does the idea of retiring to Mexico excite you? Sure, you’ve been there on vacation a bunch of times and love it. But now that you’re thinking about moving there as a retiree, it’s a whole different ball game. Mexico is a huge place with diverse communities, meaning you can have any kind of retirement…

When Risa’s daughter first showed symptoms of Covid-19, she panicked just realizing how serious and prevalent the disease is. Panic and fear are caused by a lack of knowledge, preparation, and understanding. Listen to gain some knowledge and how to prepare properly. Risa shares tips about how to treat Covid-19 symptoms at home, how to…

We all have toxins and certain odors in our homes that either we have gotten used to, or we are too busy or lazy to deal with.   It could be in your carpeting, the paint on your walls, cleaning supplies that you use, pets, mold and mildew,  pollen and plant allergens, so many things.   I…

Today Mothers, or “Moms” as I learned to say, come in a wide range of looks, ages and genders.  Some birth children into the world, while others create their “family of choice” through adopting children, other adults and pets. On this Mother’s Day, let’s honor and appreciate all those who love and care for others…

Wondering how you’re going to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic for 14 days, 30 days or longer without becoming sedentary or staring at an electronic screen for hours?  Try some new activities that could bring fun, excitement and even learning during this crazy time.  The coronavirus pandemic is rapidly changing our daily work and…

The minimalists way of life seems liberating to some, and to others completely crazy and unrealistic. If you have ever sought simple ways in which you can start to declutter your physical space to create a minimalist lifestyle then this video is for you. Minimalism allows for greater mindfulness and intentional living because you have…

In our lifetimes, the average person eats about 80,000 meals, 80,000. How much of those meals incorporate fruits and vegetables for you? Probably not enough. If you look at the blue zones around the world, you know, those areas where there’s concentrated number of people who live to be like 90 plus, a hundred plus,…

Getting a dementia diagnosis is one of the moment you hope never to experience. Although usually by the time you get to the doctor’s, you pretty much know as there are signs of Alzheimer’s Disease and signs of dementia along the way. Families need to know the diffences between vascular dementia, lewy body dementia, frontal…

Not everyone is interested in moving abroad, but those who do yearn to be surrounded by a culture and atmosphere that is different from home, it can be a lifelong dream.   Puerto Vallarta real estate agent Taniel Chemsian made the leap from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta in 2003.  He was tired of the rat…

Getting a dementia diagnosis is one of the moment you hope never to experience. Although usually by the time you get to the doctor’s, you pretty much know as there are signs of Alzheimer’s Disease and signs of dementia along the way. Families need to know the diffences between vascular dementia, lewy body dementia, frontal…

Brazil is know for its beaches, rain forest, food, culture and dancing. It also has one of the fastest growing aging populations in the world. I talked with corporate executive Sergio Estrada on a trip to Sao Paolo and we discussed how he is leading the charge to create innovative solutions for the surge in…

​Every year we look for gift ideas for Christmas. We search holiday gift guides, Christmas gift ideas, but what do you get for your minimalist friend or loved one? What about the person who only wants green gifts or DIY presents? In a world overflowing with consumer goods, it is time to give meaningful gifts…

Have you ever dreamed about buying real estate in Mexico but were too scared? Well, you don’t need to be scared anymore. The process is a lot simpler and straightforward than you would imagine. I have been to Mexico a million times (okay maybe not a million but close…) to film episodes of House Hunters…

My parents are artists. They are also Japanese so it is no surprise that beautiful, simple design and aesthetics were emphasized in our upbringing. In fact, to this day we often hilariously quote my father when we see something ugly.   “Why so uguri uguri?” he would ask. Haha. Yeah, my sentiments exactly. Why as we get older and we need more assistance, does the design often have to be so ugly and institutional looking?

My Story – In March 2010, when my partner Graham turned 50, he was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer. At the time I was living in NYC, he lived in San Francisco. As a fiercely independent person, he refused to change his life or routine due to cancer. So for most of 2010, despite…

I got to visit a hospital in Japan and it’s called the Watanabe New Heart Hospital in Tokyo.  Wow.  This is the kind of hospital I wish we had here in the States.  The doctors and nurses treat you as though you are royalty.  The accommodations are fit for a 5 star hotel.  And the food?   Wow…the cafeteria food is like eating at a Michelin star restaurant!  I was certainly impressed and inspired.

I think we can all agree that we would prefer to live our later years in comfort and independent as opposed to living in a fluorescent light filled, smelly nursing home where every minute of the day is structured and the food sucks.   It makes me super sad to think that is my father’s existence…