She's been off the ground for several years... it is ultimately a choice. I get not wanting to endanger relationships, etc., but she chooses to NOT do things for business reasons (too far to drive, not enough money, too much hassle, etc.), so she could also choose to NOT do things for personal reasons.

She's also got a pretty decent pension from her work and from her last marriage; I don´t know the details of her financials, but I'm guessing she has options, especially if she wants to downsize.

Your scenario of "taking the edge off work" sort of implies you see them regularly, maybe at the end of the day. That would be fine with me, too. She doesn't hate her work at all, though.