I stayed with my grandparents in Italy over the winter. It wasn’t just a family visit—I wanted some downtime from my busy freelance schedule in Dublin and also to bask in the warmth of my grandparents’ company.

I’d always heard stories about Italy’s charm, but experiencing it day by day was something else entirely. What struck me most was how it felt like the ultimate haven for older folks looking for a peaceful yet vibrant place to spend their golden years.