be very particular to specific people.
Most such lists start by assuming no one over the age of 40 wants to shovel snow or live in a two story home. Personally, I have no problem with snow and climbing up and down stairs regularly is quite good for you. Especially after knees or hips have been replaced. Clearly this NYT piece overlooks the climate aspect, which is usually the very first consideration. And good for them.
But there are other things that matter a lot besides the three indicators used.
My personal quality of life indicators include wanting to be in a place with a college or university (or two) for the cultural aspects. I also want to be in a place that's politically liberal. I want it to be easy to get around, whether driving, walking, or taking public transportation.
Right now I'm in Santa Fe, which I like despite its ridiculous reputation for being too expensive for any but millionaires. What I don't care for is a lack of public transportation, although I only need to walk a quarter mile to and from a bus stop to get me down to the Plaza here. And since I'm a senior citizen, I only pay 50 cents per ride.
If I ever relocate, and I probably will eventually to be nearer to one or the other of my children, I'll look for a larger city with good public transportation. Portland OR, where one son lives, is very appealing, but the cost of living downtown there is far beyond my means, even though I can afford to live in Santa Fe right now.
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