American retirees looking to move overseas often wonder how they’ll be regarded in their new home abroad…
In Europe, you’ll find that as a senior, you’ll be welcomed with favorable laws, discounts, priority lines, and special visa incentives, as well as being treated with more respect on a day-to-day basis.
The United States has a unique perspective on age… youth is equated with more societal value, often seen as the most significant thing a person can bring to the table.
There’s a reason it’s been made illegal to discriminate against those over 40 in the hiring process in the States—because those under that mark are always given a societal edge. Still, employers often have internal policies that prevent those over a certain age to be hired…
The American Psychological Association goes so far as to claim that “Ageism is one of the last socially acceptable prejudices.”
But that doesn’t have to be the case. Look across the U.S. border to Europe, and you might be pleasantly surprised at the difference in the way seniors are perceived.
With long-established social systems that consider care for its citizens to be an inherent right, Europe has lots of security nets in place for the elderly.
Plus, respect for elders is drilled into kids from birth here, where manners and formality are valued quite highly, especially in Northern Europe, and where family inclusivity across generations reigns in the south.
You’ll also notice many more seniors out and about in Europe, living highly active and social lives, particularly around the Mediterranean, where the culture is very similar to that of Latin America in respect to family values. In Greece, you might
even be referred to as geronda or gerontissa, literally, old man or woman—far from being an insult, this is a term of endearment and respect.
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While there aren’t any senior-specific residency programs here, like there are in some Latin American and Asian countries, there are some good discounts to be had in addition to the cultural benefits. Plus, these senior discounts are available to all EU residents, regardless of which country you call home.
Even if you’re just a tourist in Europe, many discounts apply, including 10% off the Eurail pass for those 60 and over.
For example…
Portugal
A #1 retirement haven in the world for years’ running, Portugal offers a great climate, wealth of history and entertainment, cosmopolitan cities, stunning coastline, and superb beaches.
Home to nearly 800,000 foreigners, a reported 7,000 of them Americans, this country is one of the most popular choices for expat living in Europe.
Throughout Europe, there are priority seats for seniors and those with physical handicaps on public transport and usually in government buildings, and Portugal is no exception.
Discounts of 25-50% are available to those over 65 on entertainment and transport costs, and these may be available even if you aren’t a resident—it never hurts to ask.
Senior Benefits In Europe: Spain
Home to more expats than any other country in Europe, Brits have been coming to Spain by the hundreds for years and American expats number nearly 36,000.
As in Portugal, you’ll find priority seating in public transport for seniors, and as of 65 you’re eligible for discounts on transport and entertainment.
There’s a card for retirees (carnet de pensionista o jubilado) that gets you the senior discount easily and that you may be able to claim under the age of 65 if you can prove you’re retired. Otherwise, just showing ID with age is enough.
Some institutions give discounts as of age 60, so be sure to check the restrictions on an individual basis. Renfe, for example, the national train system, offers 25- 40% off ticket prices to those 60 and older (with purchase of 6-euro Tarjeta Dorada card, which, by all accounts, pays for itself within a trip or two).
Supermarkets and food vendors of all types will deduct IVA (sales tax) from seniors’ purchases, gyms offer senior rates, as do some phone and internet companies.
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When it comes to hotels and other businesses, be sure to ask if any discount is offered, as some companies give special rates of their own accord. I’ve seen hotels and travel companies offer 30% off as of age 55.
Anecdotally, Spain is one of the most generous countries when it comes to giving senior discounts, so even if there’s no special price listed, be sure to ask if one is offered.
Occasionally these may be limited to EU residents, but Spain has the best track record for extending senior rates to those of all nationalities… although you may find that if you’re not an EU citizen, the discount is given at the discretion of the ticket office.
France
No one takes retirement and its benefits more seriously than the French, and they protest regularly to defend their retiree rights here.
Plus, children are trained from birth to respect their elders in France, and la politesse, manners, are paramount to society here.
Throughout the country, retirees enjoy their leisure from the age of 60 or 61 and avail of discounts of 30-50% on transportation, cheaper tickets to cinema, theater, museums, and monuments.
For a subscription fee of 44 euros (or 54 for a couple), the Reduc-Seniors card gives access to dozens of discounts from 5-52% off on everything from entertainment and spas to shopping, hotels, and travel to those 55 and over.
Senior Benefits In Europe: Slovenia
Little-known Slovenia is an underrated gem that shares the Adriatic with Italy at a fraction of the cost.
Those 65 and over, or those who can show they are retired, are offered free bus and train rides nationally, with deep discounts given when crossing the border. Many hotels, travel companies, and tour operators also offer senior discounts to EU residents over 65.
Entertainment also comes with discounts, up to 50% off for many tourist sites and museums.
Italy
With a population heavily skewed towards the aging, seniors demand a serious amount of respect throughout Italy, with younger generations deferring always to their elders.
Trenitalia’s Silver Card (30 euros a year for those 60 to 75; free above 75) saves 15% on most domestic train tickets, 10% on couchette tickets (long journeys with beds), 25% off between European countries, and 50% off certain overnight trains.
Some hotels offer 10% off accommodation, and most museums, monuments, and tourist sites offer discounts to seniors, usually from the age of 65.
Bonne route,
Kat Kalashian
Editor, In Focus: Europe
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