(NO: It's not me I'm thinking of.)

Older folk often need residential (or nursing) care so that is an important factor;

As is the cost of such care;

And the adequacy of its Medical Services.

A friend of mine who lives in Mexico tells me that his Mum is over
there at a cost of £280 per month for NURSING care.

In the UK, it's doubtful if you could find a residential home (without
nursing) for that money PER WEEK.

Estate Duty is another factor.

I understand that Estate Duty is HORRENDOUS in Belgium, for example.

And, of course, the country itself must be fairly hospitable for
Europeans. (Baghdad is a no-no). Some English-speaking natives for
example.

Please post a Comment for a country you know well enough to embrace
all relevant factors and I'll post a reasonably priced supplementary
for those that are potentially interesting.

Many thanks!

---

Clarification of Question by probonopublico-ga on 12 Feb 2004 06:44 PST

Mr Easterangel has done the necessary.

My thanks again to all.

I suggest Brighton & Hove, thats where all the old fogeys live .

Hi again Bryan!

As usual I'm going to bat for my home country here. From it's
wonderful vacation spots, all year long warm weather, to it's laid
back lifestyle, the Philippines is the best place to retire in the
world.

"Why Retire in the Philppines?"
http://www.livinginthephilippines.com/retiring_copy(1).html

"How to retire in the Philippines"
http://www.garcesrealestate.com/retire.html

"MOVING AND RETIRING TO PALAWAN"
http://islands.topcities.com/faq-moving.htm

Thanks! :)

Bryan,

I have a friend who's very enthusiastic about Thailand. He has several
friends who have bought condos and like the lifestyle. Medical care
seems to be good and he figures his retirement income will go a lot
further than it would in California.

~ czh ~

Hi, probono,

Since I'm in Canada, I'm partial to that as my choice. We not only
speak English, we pronounce it and spell it correctly. (After all, we
were a well-behaved colony.) Our medical system is excellent, for the
most part free, and seniors' prescriptions are heavily subsidized.
Canada has no death duty.

Now that I've tooted that horn, I'll get to the 'comment' part of
this. It's my opinion that the best place to retire is the place where
you have roots --  family and long-time friends. Although I truly
understand that money concerns enter all life decisions, I can't
imagine planning my last years that way. I'm sure there are many
countries which can meet all your requirements, but I'll stick with
what I know. If it costs me 10 times more to stay where I am I'll do
it, for the pleasure of seeing my kids, my grandkids, and the friends
I've had for decades. I'm sure whoever you have in mind feels the same
way.

Regards,
revbrenda

Vancouver, Vienna and Melbourne (yay!) scored best for expats in a
recent study, although only very general factors were looked at.
http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/soundoff/story.html?id=baabf7f7-7ada-4ce6-a7f9-6c735afc8d03

Australia is a winner in most aspects, except that residential care
would obviously cost more than places like Thailand or Mexico.

Hi, All

Great Comments, Many thanks ... I'll post supplementaries after brekkie!

Before brekkie, I thought I'll post a supplementary on every place
suggested but, sanity has been restored.

For a start, I've therefore directed just one question to Easterangel,
to see what she can make of it.

Again many thanks for the various Comments.

Bryan

How about Goa (India)? A short trip will definitely help one make
his/her decision. Above all, compared to the rest of the places
mentioned, I guess it's cheapest.

Hi, Kik

Goa?

I think not!

A friend of mine visited Goa some months ago and broke his leg.
(Fortunately his camera wasn't broken in the fall.)

Went to one of the best qualified medics around ... His office was
papered with Medical degrees.

Unfortunately, his leg was set at the wrong angle so, when he returned
home, it had to be broken again and re-set.