Everyone reach this age when they have enough of busy commute to work, children are old enough to feed themselves and levels of energy makes them crave more of a peaceful lie down on the beach or a park than an adventure.
Those lucky ones with enough savings to pack their bags and move abroad research their potential retirement destinations.
Here is a list of the highest rated retirement spots for seniors, starting with popular countries for Brits/Europeans and then further down some more ideas which are popular with North Americans.
1. Malta
As one of the smallest states in the world, Malta is also one of the most densely populated countries on earth – for good reason, too. With more than 3,100 hours of sunshine a year, an average temperature of 19C and English as a first language for most people, it’s no surprise that so many tourists and retirees flock to the Mediterranean archipelago.
2. Portugal
Portugal is famed for its rich history, good health care and wonderful weather. Sharing time zones with the UK, pensioners will also find it remarkably cheap to live here. For example, it’s around three times cheaper to buy property in Portugal than in France. It also has the third largest European expat community after Spain and France. This really is one of the most popular European retirement destinations.
3. Spain
Spain has the largest expat community in Europe and it is believed to have the lowest crime rate. With beautiful cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, the rolling countryside of Catalonia, historic UNESCO – protected areas like Toledo and islands including Tenerife, Ibiza and Menorca, there’s plenty of choice to set up a retirement nest.
4. Greece
While the economic crisis remains dire, this country continues to offer a relaxed lifestyle for many who have managed to save for their retirement. Greece offers great weather, readily available health care and a low crime rate.
Where to retire somewhere more exotic? The are some other popular destinations around the world for your golden years.
5. Ecuador
Ecuador is unexpectedly one of the lesser thought of but best destinations for retirement. The main reasons for this are the low cost of living and cheap real estate prices. According to many Americans who moved there, you can get the same quality of life at a fraction of the cost of living in the United States. A retired couple can live well on $800 a month in the city of Quito for example.
Other factors that have contributed to making this country one of the top places on the list are the many benefits for the elderly such as 50% off transportation, utility bills and tickets for cultural events as well as value for money healthcare.
Integration is also not a problem for the English speaking immigrants. People in many parts of Ecuador these days understand the language and there are many expat communities already established.
6. Mexico
Mexico is the perfect destinations for those looking to retire. You can find a good house here for around $170,000 in cities like Tulum, located on the Caribbean coast. Most of the country speaks English and there plenty of expat communities in the area close to Lake Chapala.
Another benefit in moving to this stunning place is the warm and sunny weather especially between October and April. Need some more convincing? View our top reasons to retire in Mexico.
7. Malaysia
Malaysia offers a unique retirement benefit program called My Second Home, open to all foreigners wanting to spend the remainder of their life in this beautiful country. The cost of living is relatively cheap and you can rent a sea-view apartment for around $1,000 a month on Penang Island for example.
According to many visitors this is an easy place to integrate. Plenty of locals are learning foreign languages and you can even catch a movie at a local cinema in English for $4.
8. Thailand
As with other Asian destinations such as Malaysia, it can be fairly cheap to live in Thailand. You can live here comfortably on a $1,000 per month budget. It is very likely that you will find a really nice apartment in the country for around $500 per month.
Powder sand beaches, crystal clear water and great weather are the obvious reasons why Thailand is a top destination not just for the elderly, but for everyone.
9. Panama
Panama is a retirement haven mainly because of its benefits program called Pensionado. It entitles you to a 20% discount on all professional services in the country, 50% off for cultural and sporting events and 15% off on healthcare.
In addition to this the cost of living is very low as you can get by on $1,500 per month, buy a sea-view condo for $180,000 or find a rental for $450.
