My early morning reading today was this article on http://www.findaproperty.com/.
Heavyweight bodies such as the Institute of Public Policy Research as well as Age Concern, Saga and the government know one thing - when people retire more and more of them are moving overseas.
But why this seemingly mass exodus of third-age Brits?
The author gives five reasons:
1. We're living longer and retiring earlier - moving abroad can give a new lease of life.
2. Property is often cheaper so we get more for our money.
3. Low cost airlines mean "the world is a smaller place".
4. The weather is usually warmer and life more active.
5. The cost of living is often cheaper.
I think that the first point is an interesting one. You often hear that people who retire miss their jobs, feel at a loose end and lack challenges in life.
If you do your research properly I'd say that moving to a new country offers all kinds of opportunities, particularly if moving from a small island to somewhere as vast as continental Europe.
When people ask why we moved from the UK in 2003 I give different answers depending upon how I'm feeling. There wasn't one single reason but a whole collection of them. One answer that does come out often though is that life isn't a dress rehearsal.
We get one opportunity in life and I want to make the most of it.
So I say "Best of British" to those pensioners that fancy a change - do your research, get your affairs in order then let your hair down and go for it!
www.cognacproperty.com
