New Delhi, Sept. 9 -- Debra and Eric Stillwell, a couple in their 60s, left California five years ago. They now live a relaxed life in France's Dordogne Valley.

Eric is a former Star Trek script coordinator and Disney employee. He believes Los Angeles costs kept retirement out of reach. France, however, gave them the freedom to enjoy life sooner.

The couple, who first met at a Star Trek convention in 1995, had always dreamed of retiring in Europe. Debra's mother inspired them by taking an early retirement. She said it was the best decision of her life.

Their life today is far from what they once faced in Los Angeles. Debts and a mortgage made early retirement impossible for them. Debra said she would have worked for a long time had the...