Panama topped the list of the 10 leading retirement destinations around the globe, according to International Living’s newly released Annual Global Retirement Index for 2019.
Panama, the winner of the 2019 Global Retirement Index, has been a constant in the Index, but this year marks the 10th time it’s reached the #1 spot–climbing from third place to scoop the top prize.
The editors considered 13 criteria: buying and investing, renting, benefits and seniors discounts, visas and residence, cost of living, fitting in, entertainment and amenities, healthcare, healthy lifestyle, development, climate, opportunity and governance.
Destinations that made the list are places where a retired couple can live comfortably for US$1,800 or less a month.
When it comes to the overall winner, Panama is described as a “Central American gem” that packs a lot into a small area: fast-paced eclectic capital city, beaches and forested valleys.
The country also offers a special retirement visa for those with a lifetime monthly pension of at least US$1,000 and grants special discounts to seniors on everything from medical consultations to movie tickets.
The climate is also warm and tropical but lies outside the hurricane belt.
Here are the top 10 places to retire, according to International Living:
1. Panama
2. Costa Rica
3. Mexico
4. Ecuador
5. Malaysia
6. Colombia
7. Portugal
8. Peru
9. Thailand
10. Spain