<p>Migration is shaped by a complex interplay of social, economic, political, demographic, and environmental factors that vary across population groups. This study explores the motivations driving return migration among retired older adults to their place of origin in the Yogyakarta Special Region, Indonesia. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 27 retirees who had lived outside the province for 22 to 43 years, the findings show that return migration reflects multiple interrelated considerations. The foremost motivation is the desire to reside in closer proximity to family members, particularly parents and children, as well as friends, accompanied by a pursuit of more affordable living conditions and a preference for cleaner environments with accessible recreational amenities. Rather than signalling failure or dissatisfaction, return migration emerges as a planned, purposeful choice aimed at optimizing well-being in later life within the familiar social and ecological settings of one’s place of origin.</p>