Author: HairWeavings Editorial Team

The two were spotted in the crowd at the desert festival last year.

Here’s what we know.

The expert on light, Dr. Martin Moore-Ede has written a book called, The Light Doctor: Using Light to Boost Health, Improve Sleep and Live Longer. Dr. Moore-Ede received his medical degree from Guy’s Hospital Medical School and his PhD in physiology from the University of London.

He is the world’s leading expert on circadian clocks and the health problems caused by electric lights at night. Dr. Moore-Ede tells us that today’s LED light bulbs and screens are built to “produce cheap light with little regard for human health.”

His book tells us some amazing things about natural light outside and artificial light inside.

For the purposes of this article, I will focus on natural light outside. Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Martin Moore-Ede MD PhD on my podcast, Your Outside Mindset. I had the opportunity to share my lupus story of staying inside to avoid the sunlight. It went like this.

My Lupus and Sunlight Story

I was diagnosed with lupus about 10 years ago when I was in my 60s; I am in my 70s now. At that time, I was given my prescription for hydroxychloroquine and advised to avoid the sun. I decided to be the perfect patient, so I stayed mostly inside for about a year.

Feeling down, I found a worldwide online lupus support group, and not surprisingly, all members shared that they felt like vampires, trying to avoid the sun. Then one member said that she went outside all the time with just a hat and sunscreen. And she looked great!

Surprised by this fact, I started to go outside myself and immediately felt so much better. This resulted in my research into academic papers to find out what was going on outside that was helping me get better. After I found so much information that was not yet in the public conversations, I wrote two books and started a podcast about how important it is to get outside for its health giving properties. Getting outside had been something that we just took for granted.

Dr. Moore-Ede Says Get Outside in the Morning Light

Dr. Moore-Ede listened to my lupus story and replied, “I think really the problem is that medical advice swings from one side to the other, and yes, the best times are in the mornings – the first half of the morning because the sun is not nearly as intense at that time. And you make a very good point. Even though you may be sun sensitive due to lupus, you may live longer if you get outside, particularly in the mornings.”

The Effect of Staying Indoors Is Almost as Big as Whether You Smoke or Not

Further, Moore-Ede continued:

“In fact the effect of staying indoors, like you were doing that year, was almost as big a difference as whether you were a smoker or a non-smoker – it was that big. We know now from 88k people affected by lupus that those that go outside in the daytime live much longer than those who stay indoors all the time. And there are large scale studies with thousands of people, confirming life span is increased by years, depression and anxiety are substantially reduced, cardiovascular disease is minimized as compared to people who spend most of their time indoors.”

Why Are We Not Hearing About the Benefits of Sunlight?

To this question, Dr. Moore-Ede responded:

“There is a huge body of research, the academic world is aware (20k research papers), but it is harder to penetrate the public because light is taken for granted. We don’t have to think about it, but we do have to think about it. I wrote the book, The Light Doctor, to show the science and the huge impacts of light on the human body. We need to change the world that is dependent on LED lights and not getting outside into the sunlight enough. The book is to explain the science; about why it is so important to take control of the light in your life; the practical things you can do about it.”

Study of Twenty-Nine Thousand Women Who Went Outside

Dr. Moore-Ede also shared information about a big Swedish study on malignant melanoma. Researchers “tracked 29k women who went outside more – yes, they might be getting sun cancers, but they were living much longer.”

My Lupus Outside Mindset: Time and Dose

My outside time varies with the strength of the sunlight. I seek out wooded areas where I am still getting the bright light that I need but less of the strong sun’s rays. I say to others that this is an individual practice, and all we need to be is aware of how much sun feels good and what dose/time outside feels like it might be doing us harm. My recommended time is morning and evening light – or the golden hours as photographers call them.

Thanks to Dr. Moore-Ede, I now have more confidence to encourage lupus patients like me, with moderate/severe active systemic lupus, who must take lupus medication, and manage their symptoms of severe fatigue, muscle and joint pain/spasms, organ impairment, and more to try to get outside in the morning light – even if for a few minutes at a time.

Dr. Moore-Ede is on a mission to educate us about nutrient rich sunlight and harmful indoor LED lights (more on this in my next article). And thanks to Dr. Moore-Ede, I no longer feel that I am on a solo mission to get people to take their time spent outdoors seriously.

The Morning Is the Time of Day When the Health Boosting Effect of Infrared Light Is Highest

There are many spectrums of light that are only present in the morning light according to Moore-Ede’s work. For example, the morning is the time of day when the near infrared light content of daylight is the highest. Morning light is the time when the health boosting effect of infrared light on mitochondrial energy production is most effective. Our mitochondria are the energy batteries in each one of our cells that start to wind down as we age. An additional effect of morning sunlight is that it results in eyesight rejuvenation.

We All Live in a Sunlight Deprived World

Moore-Ede reminds us that “we all live in a sunlight deprived world where the average person spends only 7% of their day outdoors. There is something special about morning sunlight so get outside into that morning light.”

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

Have you ever thought about getting out into the morning light? Do you get outside in the morning light? Would you consider making this a habit – for an hour or less?

Just take all my money.

Thanks to a vibrant beach scene, lush environment, and world-class resorts and villas, the Caribbean Islands are a bucket-list destination for many. It’s a great retirement spot for seniors seeking a warm tropical climate, a relaxed vibe, and a tax-friendly environment. The region is incredibly diverse, and every island is unique in different ways.

However, retiring there also comes with drawbacks. If you are wondering whether to spend your golden years in the Caribbean, I have gathered the pros and cons to help you decide.

The Caribbean Is One of the Most Sought-After Retirement Destinations in the World

Driven by lower living costs, a warm climate, and the desire to change scenery, many Americans are increasingly considering retiring elsewhere. The 2023 annual Social Security Administration Report revealed that nearly 800,000 Social Security recipients lived abroad. The Caribbean appeals to many, with tens of thousands of these citizens choosing to spend their golden years in the region.

No matter your reasons for wanting to retire abroad, it’s good to know the benefits and potential drawbacks of spending your senior years in this tropical paradise. Without further ado, let’s dive into why the Caribbean makes a good place to call home after retirement (and why you probably shouldn’t consider it).

Pros of Retiring in the Caribbean

You’ll Love the Caribbean If You Enjoy Getting Out in Nature

One pro of retiring in the Caribbean is being connected to nature, thanks to lush, breathtaking landscapes like majestic mountains, waterfalls, and rainforests. Many islands, including Dominica, dubbed “Nature Isle,” are known for being nature-centric destinations where sustainable living, outdoor recreation, and tranquility abound.

The Vibrant Beach Scene Makes It a Perfect Option for Beach Bums

Beach-loving golden agers will definitely enjoy retiring in the Caribbean. St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands is one of the top islands to consider. The island’s Magens Bay is consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the region, thanks to its unique horse-shoe shape, calm, clear waters, and stunning scenery. The beach has incredible amenities, including lifeguards, picnic facilities, and showers.

If you don’t want to deal with crowds, you can always opt for Little Magens Beach, a quieter portion of Magens Bay. You won’t find any roads or parking, but the privacy and seclusion it offers is simply unmatched.

Jamaica’s Negril, popular for its 7-Mile Beach, is another fantastic option. The beach offers an astonishing mix of breathtaking natural scenery with laid-back vibes and fun activities. Besides, Negril is considered one of Jamaica’s safest places to retire; it’s friendly, welcoming, and charming.

Another peaceful beach destination you might want to consider is Aruba. It has many incredible beaches, with Eagle Beach often ranked among the best globally.

The Caribbean Offers Plenty of Affordable Options and a Tax-friendly Environment

As home value and general cost of living continue to soar, the desire to retire in an affordable destination rises. And there is no better place than the Caribbean, which offers many affordable options. Islands like St. Lucia, Dominican Republic, and Grenada provide lower living costs than the US.

Moreover, the region is incredibly tax-friendly, and you can enjoy significant tax incentives in some places. Among the tax havens include the Cayman Islands, Panama, and the Bahamas. Retire in St. Lucia to enjoy a 0% tax rate on your foreign income (this also applies to businesses).

The Caribbean Boasts a Thriving Expat Community, Diverse Culture, and a Welcoming Atmosphere

The islands have a strong expat community due to their appealing beach lifestyle, breathtaking scenery, and relaxing atmosphere. The Caribbean culture is incredibly diverse – the chain of islands comprising the region is a unique fusion of indigenous Asian, African, and European cultures. This is why you’ll experience different languages, including English, Creole, Spanish, and French, with varying dialects.

The diverse culture is also reflected in the culinary offerings, music, and religion. Moreover, the Caribbean locals are known to be friendly and welcoming. It’s very easy to adapt and feel at home in a place with that level of diversity.

Cons of Retiring in the Caribbean

Spending your golden years in the Caribbean also comes with downsides. Here are some of the cons you should consider before relocating there.

Safety Concerns in Some Islands

No senior wants to retire in a high-crime area. Knowing which Caribbean islands are ideal is essential if safety and security are your biggest concerns. Overall, Jamaica, at a homicide rate of 85 per 100,000 people, is considered a dangerous place to live. Of course, there are safe places you can opt for in the island country, including Negril, as I mentioned earlier. Ocho Rios and Mandeville are other low-crime-rate places to make your home after retirement.

The safest island countries in the Caribbean for retirement include Barbados, Anguilla, Martinique, and Antigua and Barbuda.

Some Aspects of Life in the Caribbean May Make Your Living Costs Higher Than Anticipated

Although the Caribbean offers a more affordable cost of living than the US, some aspects of life there may heighten your monthly expenses. Due to its remote location, the islands are disconnected from the rest of the globe.

For this reason, the islands import most of their goods, including food and manufactured products. The import bill on food alone is about $5 billion. Transportation expenses associated with these imports, including shipping and insurance, increase the overall cost of living.

Moreover, relying on imported goods makes the Caribbean islands highly vulnerable to price fluctuations in the international market. Considering all these factors is essential before choosing to retire in the region.

Retiring in the Caribbean Comes with the Risk of Facing Natural Disasters

The Caribbean is highly susceptible to various natural disasters. The region’s geographic location is in the Atlantic Basin. The Caribbean Sea’s warm waters are a major factor in fueling hurricanes. If you want to spend your golden years on a hurricane-safe island, consider the ABC islands, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. These islands enjoy a fantastic location outside the Atlantic hurricane path. Other islands you can consider are Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, and Barbados.

If natural beauty, beach scene, cultural diversity, tax-friendly environment, and a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere appeal to you, spend your golden years in the Caribbean. While safety and security are a concern in some islands, there are many options with low crime rates. The bottom line is – the Caribbean is a great retirement destination. As long as you do your research well and consider your priorities, you’ll have many potential locations to choose from.

Also read, What Are the Best Places to Retire for Single Women Over 60?

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you investigated retiring in the Caribbean? Which of the Islands fascinates you the most? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments.