Senior citizens have had a turbulent 20th century to work in. Now that they are no longer working, the time has come for them to move to Hawaii or some other tropical place and start living. Many of them are moving abroad to live. Plenty of those who do this have not had an opportunity to visit other countries before, Europe in particular. The second part of the 20th century was filled with rapid technological development, rising economy and the creation of consumer society. One had an opportunity to make a lot back then. However, one had to work very hard in order to do so. So, not much time was left for vacations. For the senior citizens, the time now is to experience the world. Let’s see what are the best countries for senior citizens to settle down.
Working in the modern era VS. living in the second half of the 20th century
Today, circumstances are different from when our mothers and fathers started working. The world has become a very digital place. It allows people to travel abroad easier than ever. Also, it allows digital professionals to work from any point in the world as long as they have an internet connection available. This is a blessing for those in the digital industry. Search the web and you will find many people who travel 365 days a year. All they need in order to support themselves is a laptop and an internet connection. They exploit this opportunity by taking their work with them. The good things about this kind of life are obvious: you get to experience the world day in day out.
On the other hand, it can be difficult to go vacation mode full on. After all, your employer can track you down wherever you are and ask you to work even when you are on a vacation. Simply put, today, you take your work home with you. However, back in the day, it used to be different. While you would probably still worry about issues from work even after you would get back home, you still had your peace and tranquility when you are off work.
Best countries for senior citizens to settle down
Now that they are not working anymore, many of our senior citizens are moving abroad. Some of them are trying to make up for the lack of adventures that they had when they were young. So, they are going back to their bucket lists and trying to fill them up. Others are going back to their roots. They arrived in the USA as kids or their parents came here just before their kids were born. Now, without obligations to employers and with a different picture in global politics from what it used to be, these people are taking advantage. Many of them have been dreaming about moving back home and now they have an opportunity to do so. It is up to us now to find out what are the best countries for senior citizens to settle down.
Believe it or not, but South American countries dominate our list. While many of you would probably expect plenty of European countries to find themselves on the list, we have to point out that Europe is not as popular with seniors anymore. Therefore, let’s cut to the chase and give you our list of the best countries for senior citizens to settle in.
Ecuador – a surprising contender
The position of Ecuador may come as a surprise. Truthfully, it should not. You will understand it once you read through the reasons why we rate it so highly.
First of all, the costs of living in Ecuador are far lower than those in the USA. Combine that with a pension that our seniors receive in dollars and you will understand what Ecuador offers them. There have been reports of people selling their property in the States and moving to Ecuador due to very low property taxes. Comparing to USA, property taxes in Ecuador are almost nonexistent.
Plus, every citizen older than 65 receives a senior card that cuts their utility and tax costs in half. Not only that but other services provided by the government-owned companies, such as public transit, are cheaper by 50%. The difference between the money that one receives from pension and the costs of life in Ecuador comparing to the USA are so much lower than seniors who retire there get access to so many activities that they would not be able to afford back home. In order to move here, make sure you get in touch with the best long distance moving companies Florida who can move you in no time.
Mexico is one of the best countries for senior citizens to retire in
While the USA and Mexico have a love-hate relationship on the political level, it is totally different when it comes to living in either country. While Mexicans are coming to the USA for work, Americans are moving to Mexico to retire. It allows them to spend more on activities and pay less in terms of taxes and utilities. Plus, Mexico is very close to the USA, so visiting family is no big deal. Check moving companies reviews to make the right decision about moving to Mexico.
Nicaragua
Few would expect to see the name of Nicaragua on this list of best countries for senior citizens. However, here it is. The cheapest country of all on our list. Nicaragua has a large expat community with people living lavishly and those who try to spend less. Still, the quality of life with American pensions are far better than those in the USA. For about $1000 dollars you can support yourself, pets, pay the rent and utilities and go out for dinner and drinks twice a week. Not bad, eh?
Colombia – the last but not least of our choice of best countries for senior citizens
What used to be one of the most mafia-run countries in the world, today is something different. Colombia still has issues with organized crime. However, even mobsters have changed. As long as you do not go looking for trouble, you would have no issues on the streets of the big cities in Colombia. For about $2000 per month, you can provide yourself with all the necessary amenities. Do not forget, beautiful beaches and fantastic nature up in the mountains are waiting for you for such a low price. This makes Colombia the best country for senior citizens to retire in.