The fieldwork in the Liguria and Piedmont regions involved interviews with a diverse range of Dutch lifestyle migrants. Our initial plan was to focus on retirement or lifestyle migrants, specifically those who became migrants only after their retirement. This objective was largely achieved. However, as a team, we quickly realized that the Dutch population in these regions was much more diverse than we initially anticipated.

In addition to retired migrants, we interviewed women who moved to Italy in their 20s, fell in love, married Italians, and settled in the region. These women are now aging as well. We also spoke with Dutch early retirees who were drawn to the region during their holidays and decided to spend more time there. Furthermore, a significant portion of our sample comprised individuals in their late 50s and early 60s who are running bed and breakfasts in the tourism sector.

All our interviewees were exceptionally open in sharing their experiences, homes, and businesses with us, making it a truly enriching experience. This diverse array of perspectives provided a comprehensive understanding of the varied experiences of Dutch lifestyle migrants in Liguria and Piedmont.

Having lived in a different part of Italy, this research trip offered me a fresh perspective. Being on the coast and observing the privileged lifestyles of some interviewees contrasted sharply with the two-hour drive up into the mountains, where I discovered a completely different Italy. There, I saw abandoned houses, an aging population, nonexistent sidewalks, and people heavily reliant on cars due to the small, isolated villages and communities, and yet, very happy people.

This experience was truly enriching for me. It highlighted the essentials needed for aging well and overall well-being: having close friends nearby, the importance of having a partner, regular exercise, and being in nature. It reminded me that despite our modern conveniences, we are fundamentally part of nature and need to remain connected to it for a fulfilling life.