According to Forbes, old age the Viennese way is the best choice for retirees
"Austria is the same as Switzerland, only cheaper," sums up Forbes' number one recommendation. Incidentally, the magazine also highly rated the retirement prospects of Salzburg and Graz, adding to their many visible advantages the beautiful landscapes in the immediate vicinity. The only thing missing specifically in Vienna and Austria as a whole is the "Mediterranean quality of life," without which it is hard to imagine a successful twilight of life for a European retiree.
Forbes assessed the possibilities of a retirement paradise according to numerous indicators — from visa conditions for retirees and tax features to the quality of medical services. All the more surprising that second in the magazine's ranking was Thailand, a country with infrastructure far from European. Nevertheless, its healthcare system is deemed "acceptable," the ocean spirit perfectly replaces the Mediterranean one, and the cost of living is incomparably lower than in Europe, which has made Thailand the most beloved after Austria place of settlement for relatively well-off seniors.
Italy, as the most vivid bearer of the Mediterranean spirit, was placed third by the magazine. On the Apennine Peninsula, everything is wonderful — from the landscape to the food, and from the summer abundance of tourists in the resorts and a certain capriciousness characteristic of the local urban population, one can always escape to villages and towns slightly removed from the coast.
In fourth place on the list of best countries for retirees, the American magazine placed Panama: extremely low taxes, the currency is the dollar, good private clinics, impressive nature, the sun shines almost year-round, and the capital Panama City is considered the safest city in Central America.
Fifth in Forbes' ranking is Ireland, where it is recommended to settle not in Dublin with its capital-inflated prices, but in nature: a cottage on the emerald island with a view of the Atlantic Ocean — what retiree doesn't dream of that?
After Ireland comes Australia — overall it is considered one of the best countries in the world to live in, not only for retirees. The main problem is if nostalgia suddenly strikes: to go anywhere from Australia is long and expensive. But our compatriots have found a way out here too: some order a log bathhouse made of rounded logs near their home, others actively participate in the cultural life of Russian-speaking communities.
In seventh place in Forbes' ranking is France, where it is also warm, beautiful, and delicious.
Eighth is Malaysia with its luxurious climate, low cost of living, and beautiful beaches. The idyll is periodically disrupted by the country's political problems, but it is a true tax haven.
Ninth — Spain — was named "Europe's Florida" by Forbes editors. Retirees habitually choose Mallorca. But those preparing to move should remember that, besides the excellent climate, virtually every region of the country offers captivating architecture and a thousand-year history combined with a highly developed modern cultural life.
Finally, rounding out the top ten retirement destinations is Canada. Its Vancouver regularly tops lists of cities with the best quality and highest standard of living, the country remains one of the few in the world that still attracts foreigners, and moreover has a consistently operating first-class free healthcare system. The only, but significant, downside of Canada is the overly long winter. Those who have managed to save for a decent house in the mountains do not necessarily have to be sad about this — they have a choice.