I am elderly and single, too, but have lived in the south without family and have to suggest if not in a retirement community that church is very important. You will have a family support system there. I love the south but use Sperling’s best places to find some suggestions.
I love the hills and snow but my rheumatoid arthritis kicked in about a year ago and I am in agony. I may try Arizona or TX. My aunt loved TX and her paintings of the blue flowers and hills makes me think Texans want to hide their state.
I have arthritis also and moved back to TX a few years ago.
But I hate the heat; lowers my BP and get really grouchy. I’d rather be cold and in pain (maybe).