LIFE
How to Decide on the Perfect Retirement Destination
The sun sets on everyone, and before we know it, we’re about to cross over to retirement age. Many by that point will have already considered their options. Some may choose to live with family, but there are others who would look for the perfect retirement destination.
If you’re leaning towards that as well, do you even know how to begin choosing? If not, then here are some factors you might want to consider:
The Cost of Living
In terms of pragmatism, this should always be your first consideration. Even those with a sizable nest egg need to choose carefully because in terms of cost of living, not all destinations are created equal.
This doesn’t just refer to the prices of goods, but also how much purchasing real estate would cost. If you’re going to move somewhere new for retirement, then it only makes sense to buy property, which can be a headache to deal with even in the best of times. Concerning other costs, there’s healthcare, taxes, and transportation to think about.
The Quality of Life
One thing that’s often tied to a destination’s cost of living is the quality of life it provides. Considering that no one wants to spend their twilight years in miserable conditions, just how good one has it in a certain place is a consideration no one should neglect.
There are towns and cities with reputable retirement communities, so meeting others in the same stage in life would be easier. That also makes it appealing for those who intend to keep up an active social life even then. Friends definitely help increase the quality of one’s life, even with family members around or visiting often.
The Political Environment
A serious consideration would be whether or not the destination has a stable political environment. Instability and chaos would not make for an ideal retirement, especially with the changes that happen over time. Fortunately, there are many destinations that offer this kind of stability.
One such destination is Costa Rica. The country has remained stable, with a strong democratic government for decades. Even more impressive is how they’ve managed this without a military to fall back on. Rest assured, there would be little chances of any political or military conflicts in that destination.
The Life You Want to Live
Perhaps the most important consideration to look into is what kind of life you intend to lead upon retirement. The environment in your intended destination has to reflect this for it to be truly perfect.
If you intend to be physically active, then pick a place that suits this best. If you’re a social butterfly, somewhere with a lot of that kind of activity must be on your radar. If quiet and solitary is your deal, then you know the drill. Fortunately, a lot of places can accommodate any of these, so lifestyle considerations should not be too tough.
It’s never too late to think about your twilight years. One of the more unfortunate things to happen to anyone at that age is to reach it and suddenly feel lost or without purpose. Deciding on the perfect retirement destination can prevent that, and taking the aforementioned considerations to heart can only lead to good things.
