International Living Community

What is the most productive way to connect with the expat community when entering a situation in a new country as a single mature woman?

I am interested in an overall strategy in exploring one or a few countries to seriously consider relocation. I imagine the first step is to list my priorities as a SINGLE lady of 70 young years and research the internet for the practical basic needs like housing and Potential for Community Connection. Would you advise perhaps a month or so of travel in each country to update my gut level impressions? I have traveled in the past to Europe and Asia but the visits ranged no longer than days to a week.