In every individual’s life, there comes a time when they have to retire from their profession. Most people plan well in advance for their retirement and the place where they would like to settle down once their hectic work schedule ends.
However, for those who keep this decision until after they have retired, it always becomes an ordeal to plan at the last minute and choose the right place. Let us take a moment to see if that best places to retire might be the Philippines.
More so, people who are not used to just staying at home have a tough time organizing their lives once they are off work for good.
Those who do contemplate their retirement in advance usually want to go to a peaceful place and engage in activities that they missed during their professional days. When deciding on a retirement home in Asia, the beautiful nation of Philippines is a great option. The scenic Pacific coast, swaying coconut trees, tropical sun and the splendid rainforests are enough to tempt any nature lover. Though some areas of the country are hot and humid, most parts are cool and pleasant.
The island has an abundance of tropical fruits including oranges, bananas, and limes, among others. This multilingual island is an ideal place to reside, with moderate weather and friendly people. It harbors a plethora of natural wealth, which is an absolute joy to explore. The hospitality and charm of the Filipinos should be experienced first-hand to know what it is like to be treated with true East Asian warmth.
For these reasons and many more, the foreign nationals, emigrant workers and balikbayans as well, flock to the islands to enjoy the fruits of their hard work of past years. The Filipinos venture out of the country for lucrative job opportunities during their earlier years of life. Nevertheless, the islands’ physical beauty and homely feel lure them back after they have made their dreams come true in other countries. More so, with the Philippines’ tourism sector growing rapidly, it is increasingly becoming a retirement hotspot.
Lifestyle
The natives have adopted the westernized way of living, which makes it all the more easier for United States retirees to adjust and get accustomed to the lifestyle. The Filipino spirit, culture and their values that are extended to their family and friends are unique and not in any way altered by the western influence.
Filipinos do not always make good ambassadors at promoting their land and its values, but it does not mean the place is devoid of these. For retirement, the country and its amenities can be considered one of the best in Asia. Older retirees can hire servants and maids who are honest, loyal and inexpensive and take care of all the household chores. The people here still have strong values regarding treatment of their elders and are very respectful in every interaction that they have with them. The elder folk are respected and honored for their knowledge and experience of life. With a helping hand around the house, you do not have to worry about rushing out of the house to pay the bills, go to the bank or even to the grocery store. In addition to all this, the island has a host of recreational activities such as golf clubs for sport lovers, shopping avenues for shopping aficionados, parks and gardens for nature enthusiasts and much more.
Cost of living
Since most of the resident islanders have moved in search of better opportunities and traveled to distant places, the population of the country has been naturally reduced. This has resulted in reduced costs of living, since there are no people to propel the economy with their demands. Hence, all amenities in the Philippines come at affordable rates. Be it food, travel, daily items or shopping in general, the costs of all the things are very reasonable.
For example, staying in a luxury hotel overnight would cost you anywhere between $40 to $100 U.S., whereas staying in a comparably cheaper room would cost about $15 to $20 U.S. Traveling by jeepney will cost you a mere 20 cents. A standard meal would cost you about $2 to $4 U.S. Dining in a fancy restaurant would cost about $20 to $40 U.S., while dining in a local joint could be as cheap as $2. A pint of beer can be purchased for as little as 40 cents.
Food
Even if you have never tasted Filipino food, you will have no problems getting accustomed to the cuisines dished out on the Island. It is available in abundance and at very reasonable prices. The taste of Filipino food can be as varied as bland, spicy, hot, sweet, and sour. The influence of western culture can be seen in the cuisine as well. All well-known American dishes from burgers, French fries, and hot dogs, to pizzas, noodles, pastas and diet cokes are available in the Philippines.
Medical Facilities
On retirement, the basic necessity that a person requires is good health care. People usually retire around the age of 60-65 and this is the period when the body starts becoming weak and susceptible to many illnesses. Medical facilities should be easily and readily available at such times. The Philippines is well known for its medical facilities and skilled health care professionals. The interior of the island should be avoided, since good health care facilities are not easily available. However, the city limits have good medical care centers with most of the medical staff capable of conversing in English, which makes it easier to communicate during possible emergencies. The doctors and nurses are friendly and helpful and treat every patient with care and kindness. Additionally, the peaceful environment of the city is medicine in itself to cure any ailment and make a person feel upbeat and content.
Transportation
Traveling in and around the island is not an issue at all. With functionally good highways and roads in most part of cities, driving is a pleasure. If you do not have your own vehicle, public transport will take care of your commuting needs. You will find tricycles, jeeps and other vehicles being driven by the locals, who carry people from one place to another on the island. Buses are a major mode of transportation in the Philippines. People who do not own cars, but like to drive around on their own, do not have to shell out for a new vehicle; they can just rent cars at affordable rates for a day or week, according to their needs.
People who settle in the Philippines after retirement find the living standards just fine, as they are not too high end and fast paced, nor too mediocre and sluggish. The living standards are perfectly in tune with the requirements of the retirement crowd, with all the peace and quiet one could ask for.
The low cost of living makes The Philippines one of the great places to retire in Asia and around the world.
Learn more about traveling and possible retirement in the Philippines:
Philippines currency exchange:
1.00 EUR = 56.4038 PHP (April 2012)
Euro Philippine Peso
1.00 USD = 42.7850 PHP (April 2012)
US Dollar Philippine Peso
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2794.htm
http://www.tourism.gov.ph/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rp.html