Retirement and Relocation: A Comprehensive Approach

• Debra Taylor is relocating to Portugal, seeking a new life
• Experts advise evaluating the lifestyle before relocating
• More than 3 million people over 65 have moved to the USA

Debra Taylor has had a challenging year: she is going through a divorce and is preparing for retirement, relocating to Portugal from Southern California along with her daughter. The choice of a new place to live outside the USA has narrowed, considering tax obligations, climate, and travel convenience across Europe. As a result, she has chosen the town of Aveiro, which she knows through her channels, earning the nickname "Venice of Portugal."

Debra signed an annual lease for an apartment and engaged the company Viv Europe for assistance with bureaucracy and documentation. Her younger daughter suggested staying in the country, stating that she wants to move after the new president is elected.

Experts on aging and relocation believe that Taylor's decision is legitimate, as the number of people relocating for retirement is influenced by political and economic factors. More than 3 million people over 65 have moved within the USA in the five years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data from the Bureau of Census.

An important point is that many countries where retirees are considering relocating are not interested in their home country, as they seek workers, not dependent English-speaking individuals. Many American retirees remain in place, but those who want to change their circumstances face significant challenges, such as rising living expenses and lack of support from the community.

Experts recommend assessing one's lifestyle and considering what is important when relocating, including social connections, access to medical care, and other services. It is also important to highlight priorities, such as proximity to family, to understand how this impacts their new life.

Professionals recommend starting with a short-term rental before making a decision about permanent residency, to be able to assess whether the new location is suitable for living. When 80% of desired everyday life can be achieved in the new place over the next year, this indicates a good choice.

Tags: USA/Europe/Well-being