Being able to retire is an important part of life for many people. Most people retire when they are older, or if they amassed so much money that they will never have to work again. It is a part of your life where you get to kick back and enjoy yourself. Many people want to retire in a different country to change up their scenery. When looking for a place to retire abroad, there are many factors to consider. Luckily though, the International Living foundation has just recently posted their annual global retirement index for 2015. The list looks at countries all over the world, and weighs in on a bunch of factors. They examine the cost of living, benefits for seniors, the healthcare, how easy it is to fit in, entertainment and activities to do, what the countries infrastructure is like, the climate, and much more. What they came up with might surprise you, but the following list contains the best places to retire abroad for 2015.
10. Thailand
Thailand is a beautiful and exotic country in Southeast Asia that has much to offer. It is a popular destination for travelers, and apparently it is a pretty great place to retire as well. Thailand is filled with generally friendly people, amazing beaches, great food, and has plenty to do. The low cost of living and healthcare are also bonuses.
9. Portugal
Portugal also makes the list. This small European country is laid-back, beautiful, and has high-living standards. The weather is beautiful, and the country scored high on the charts with regards to the cost of living being affordable and having a solid infrastructure.
8. Columbia
Columbia is also apparently a good place for people to retire abroad. The South American country offers an extremely low cost of living, and a couple can live pretty nicely here for just $1,200 a month, rent included. The nation also has some of the best and most affordable healthcare in the area. If you are in a large or medium sized city, the hospitals are on-par with those in the U.S.
7. Malta
The island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea is also a great place to retire abroad. The tiny island offers plenty to do from golfing to exploring the historical sites. The food is great, and the country is beautiful and filled with more easy-going people. People here are accepting, and it has a strong infrastructure being a first-world country.
6. Spain
Spain is another great place to retire as well. After the recent economic collapse there, it is an extremely affordable place to live. The weather is nice, you have access to Europe, and there is plenty to do. It is also a country that has siesta, where everyone takes a short break during the mid day to relax, something all countries should adopt.
5. Costa Rica
The Central American nation of Costa Rica is another attractive retirement location. Scoring high-marks in the cost of living, entertainment, and fitting-in categories of International Living’s index. Since its located near the equator, the weather is pretty nice year-round too.
4. Malaysia
Malaysia a a cultural melting pot, and a great place to retire as well. Cost of living here is pretty great and you can live in a 1,600 square foot apartment in major cities for around $850 a month. A modest budget here goes a long way, and you can live in luxury for very cheap.
3. Mexico
There are many expat cities in Mexico, and the country offers a lot for those looking to retire. You can pretty much get anything here that you can in the United States, but for much less. The food is great, the culture is rich, and there is plenty to do.
2. Panama
Panama offers a lot for those looking to retire. If you have a lifetime pension for over $1,000 a month you can get a special visa here. The other benefits offered to retirees are also pretty excellent. With that retirement visa you get 20% off medical bills, half of on entertainment, 25% off at restaurants, and 25% off you energy and phone bills. A little goes a far way here in Panama.
1. Ecuador
Ecuador comes in at number one according to International Living for the best place to retire abroad in 2015. It scores high in pretty much all categories: property is cheap, the cost-of-living is low, there are plenty of benefits for the elderly, theres much to do, and the weather is great. Many of the hospitals here are also really good, and it is really inexpensive to see a doctor or get treated.
Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
