Agree - nothing unethical about getting more information if undecided. How else do you get more information? Isn’t that the point of interview for both sides?
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Yes, that’s how it should be.
In any given month my organization has at least a few roles open, so we are regularly interviewing candidates for various positions globally. We know that many candidates who interview with us aren’t sure if they’ll take the role - and that’s perfectly all right with us. We want the interviews to be two ways: us getting to know the candidates and they getting to know us. If it’s not going to be a good fit for them we strongly prefer they discover that during the interview process and back out rather than come on board and leave in a few months. So nothing wrong in exploring and finding out about a role to make an educated decision.
A company that does not welcome this discovery process should be avoided, IMO.
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I’d consider how much energy you want to put into work and what you want from work at this stage. Your age doesn’t dictate that as much as your mindset. A challenge can be engaging and stimulating, the achievement can be fulfilling, and the people you work can enrich your life. Or you could resent the time and effort because you wanted it for things that aren’t work-related. Only you can make that call.
In many ways, being in town just for work makes imbalance easier if the job will require that.
Financially, it could be great if the costs of establishing a pied a terre and taxes there don’t eat it up.
No harm in exploring. It’s also okay to let them know you are considering these things. We have several employees who have unusual arrangements and it’s helped us structure their jobs and packages so that they work for everyone. Of course, the job fit is paramount.
Fwiw, I have a relative who just made a late careerdecision to relocate and is thrilled. Rather than marching toward retirement, he’s excited by the new opportunity and energized about doing a great job. And delighted to be doing much better financially so he can add to that nest egg.
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Is your health good? I only ask because around age 60 I started to have some health issues and needed to watch my energy level. I have definitely slowed down, and focused on non-work activities like tai chi (which I now teach), and art. Caregiving responsibilities were also a factor. Do you have parents to take care of? Any grandchildren coming?
I think it also depends on the lifestyle you want. Now and after retirement. (My ilfestyle is, er, simple!)
I view life as more than work, but then again, I am not as accomplished in terms of career as other posters or as the OP 
There are many ways to find challenge in life.
It sounds like you want to start the interview process but if relocating, being away from your spouse, financial costs or stress level involved all make you feel unsure, then I would bow out at the earliest moment to give other candidates a shot.
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From my own experience: at 60 I had a job I loved. It was demanding and challenging but I really enjoyed it. The problem was that I was paid (and titled) less than what I should have been (not just my opinion, my colleagues were aware of that). I had an opportunity to take a lateral move into another department in a less demanding position working alongside good friends and with a very nice manager. I took it. (they replaced me with a man a few decades younger and gave him the title/salary I should have had and he lasted 6 months…).
So while my new job was pleasant and I loved the lack of stress and fewer hours, I still missed my old job. I thought I would be OK, but ended up retiring 3.5 years later (earlier than planned). I just didn’t feel the same way about working anymore. Pretty sure that if I had stayed in the more demanding job (with appropriate compensation/title), I would have worked to full retirement age.
You are in a more fortunate position (and have a lot to think about) but consider whether you will regret going for an exciting challenge or not. Everyone is different- it may be something you will really feel you missed out on - or not. Just something to consider.
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I have skipped some of the posts so apologies if I repeat.
I changed jobs completely at 56. I love my new job and will be happy to continue until retirement in this role. (I am not a high paid worker.) My friends who have been in the same role - different employers - all their lives are counting down the years/months/weeks/days to their retirement. They now hate their jobs and are jealous of me, watching me enjoy my job. One took earlier retirement to get out of her job and is still not happy - limited money, husband still working so no time to do things together.
What I am trying to say there are advantages and disadvantages of both. But I am loving my new position and it has given me a whole new prospectus on life, boosted my confidence and made my husband very happy as I am no longer grumpy.
I would concur with previous posters to go through with the interview process. You might not get the job. You might not want what they have to offer once you are there. So go for the interview.
Come back to us and then ask the question.
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These are good points. Mom does have health issues but she has home help and my brother helps out as well. The company confirmed I would not need to move. I would just have to travel when needed. I currently do travel for my current job so nothing new. So conversations continue. At the end of the day, they might want someone with more experience than I offer so let’s see where it goes.
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When I was 47-48, I was told to move to Arizona or get laid off, I didn’t move. In hindsight, I was so right, money wasn’t everything. I rather be with my youngest daughter here when she started High school. An experience I would have missed if I took the job in Arizona and my daughter would be here with my husband. Eventually I did find another job and commuted with my husband.
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One thing both my spouse and I have found, companies ideas of travel “when needed” varies a great deal. Some think that means every week, or internationally for weeks on end. Others, prefer to zoom and keep travel costs down. They’ll only fly your out if it’s essential. Good to have something in writing about the number of days per month. Can be a deal breaker. Or you can take a great job and find out it involves too much travel, or travel to places you’d rather not go.
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That is great that you would not need to relocate. Yea, travel can be a drag. But at least you would not need to be away from family/friends and can avoid the cost of a 2nd residence.
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