According to a recent study, more and more people decide to retire abroad. Which are the best options?
Wikipedia/Pixabay
Wikipedia/Pixabay

Countries nowadays are not only facing the brain drain of the youngest. The over 65-year-old, once retired, also like to spend their retirement years abroad. But which are the best countries to retire to?

1. Spain

The Canary Islands are the most popular destination / Wikipedia
The Canary Islands are the most popular destination / Wikipedia

According to the study carried out by Blacktower Financial Management Group, Spain is the best European country to move to for retirees. As a matter of fact, many [insert your nationality here] have already decided to move to the Iberian Peninsula, although the Canary Islands are among the most popular destinations.

The report states that Spain is the best country to retire to because of its "numerous large cities and coastal resorts that attract millions of pensioners. The climate, the food and the friendly locals also make Spain the perfect destination for anyone looking to relax during their golden years.”

The study analyses factors such as the cost of living, crime rates, life expectancy, property prices and population age and calculates weighted metrics.

2. Finland

Finland has amazing landscapes / Wikimedia
Finland has amazing landscapes / Wikimedia

Finland comes in second in the report – which might be a little surprising. Some of the added values include the efficiency of services and the magic of the landscapes. These are, however, counterbalanced by the rather cold temperatures over long periods of the year.

3. Italy

Greatest percentage of over 65 in the population / Pixabay
Greatest percentage of over 65 in the population / Pixabay

Italy, with a score of 3.48 against Spain’s 3.58 and Finland’s 3.52, ranks third. The “Bel Paese” is also the nation with the highest average age (23.3% of the population is over 65).

4. Slovenia

Low cost of living / Flickr
Low cost of living / Flickr

Slovenia occupies the fourth position with a score of 3.43. This is mainly due to a cost of living which is among the lowest of the nations included in the top ten (although the housing prices are not among the most affordable).

5. The Netherlands

Life expectancy exceeds 80 years / Pixabay
Life expectancy exceeds 80 years / Pixabay

The Netherlands ranks fifth, with a score of 3.37, followed closely by Portugal, which is becoming an increasingly popular destination among international retirees.