American retirees looking to move overseas often wonder how they’ll be regarded in their new home abroad.
I’ve recently earned senior status myself in many countries, and from my vast anecdotal understanding to my own newly acquired experience, I can assure you that you have nothing to worry about as a senior moving overseas.
In fact, just the opposite.
You’ll find that as a senior in many places around the world, 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 and is 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 often given a societal edge.
Still, employers may have internal policies that prevent those over a certain age from being 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 differences in the ways seniors are perceived.
Here are my top recommendations for a fulfilling and benefit-loaded retiree life in Europe.
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, kids are generally taught to respect older people. Manners and formality are valued quite highly, especially in Northern Europe, and family inclusivity across generations reigns in the south.
You’ll notice more seniors out and about in Europe, living active and social lives, particularly around the Mediterranean, where the culture is 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.
While there aren’t any senior-specific residency programs here, there are some good discounts to be had in addition to the cultural benefits. These discounts are available to all EU residents, regardless of which country they 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.
Here are four senior-friendly destinations I recommend on the Continent.
Portugal
Portugal offers a great climate, a wealth of history, vast entertainment options, cosmopolitan cities, a stunning coastline, and superb beaches.
Home to over 700,000 foreigners, a reported 7,000 of them Americans, this country is one of the most popular choices for expat life 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.
In 2016, Portugal’s parliament passed a law that makes priority service for people 65 and older (as well as people with disabilities or incapacities) mandatory among all public and private entities that provide in-person service to the public.
At banks, supermarkets, hospitals, and other venues, people (including visitors to Portugal) must give up their first-come, first-served priority to comply with this law. Non-compliance is punishable by fines of up to 1,000 euros.
Social support that helps older people meet their basic needs as well as maintain a good standard of living is organized by the government. At community centers, for instance, older people can take part in social, recreational, and cultural activities.
On top of this, discounts of 25% to 50% are available to those 65 and older on entertainment and transport costs, and these may be available even if you aren’t a resident. It never hurts to ask.
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 your ID to prove your age is enough.
Some institutions give discounts as early as age 60, so be sure to check the restrictions on an individual basis. Renfe, for example, the national train system, offers 25% to 40% off ticket prices to those 60 and older (with the purchase of a 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.
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.
Culturally, children are trained to respect their elders in France, and la politesse (manners) are paramount to society.
Throughout the country, retirees enjoy their leisure from the age of 60 or 61 and avail of discounts of 30% to 50% on transportation, cheaper tickets to cinemas, theaters, 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% to 52% off on everything from entertainment and spas to shopping, hotels, and travel for those 55 and over.
Slovenia
Little-known Slovenia is an underrated gem that shares the Adriatic Sea 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.
Until next time,
Kathleen Peddicord
Founding Publisher, Overseas Opportunity Letter
