RETIRING TO SPAIN
by
Alan Walsh 

As we endure Britain's present freezing winter, many older people's thoughts turn to the idea of finding a warmer, healthier climate - and Southern Spain is the first choice for many.

Spain is a favourite destination for a variety of positive reasons. Many seniors have visited the country for holidays for many years, know and understand its many charms and feel comfortable there.

But overwhelmingly, the biggest attraction is the climate. While Britain freezes and shivers in the winter months, daytime temperatures in Southern Spain rarely fall below 10 degrees C (50 degrees F) and are usually much higher. There are over 300 sunny days a year and rainfall is low though it's fair to say that it does sometimes rain and there are windy days, too.

But mostly the climate is warm and welcoming; lunch can be taken outdoors, the beach is still inviting, strolling is a delight.

And this climate and lifestyle is highly beneficial to health, particularly for people who suffer from arthritic or bronchial conditions.

So the attractions are obvious. Yet many seniors still hesitate, sometimes believing that they are 'too old' or that the Mediterranean lifestyle is for younger people.

In fact, the reverse is true: Southern Spain is perfect for seniors thanks to a number of important factors as well as the climate.

Like the UK, Spain is a member of the European Union which has had many benefits for the country, not least in the funding it has received for its infrastructure (roads particularly which are excellent). But membership has also brought benefits for older British people seeking a full time or part time home in Spain.

Top of the list are medical services. Healthcare in Spain is excellent, better than the services offered in the UK by the NHS  and certainly faster. And for UK residents of retirement age, healthcare is free. Many drugs on prescription in the UK are freely available in Spanish pharmacies, usually at a cheaper price.

Then there is the cost of living. It is true to say that pension and investment income goes much further in Spain as the general cost of living is not much more than half of UK costs. Food, alcohol, travel are all cheaper as are utilities (water, electricity, telephones, etc) and the Spanish equivalent of our council tax is much much lower.

UK state pension can be paid directly into a person's Spanish bank account and private pensions can also be sent direct to Spain.

But what about security? Are older people safe in Spain?

The honest answer is that no-one can be guaranteed that they are 100 per cent safe anywhere. But in the areas of Spain where older people are likely to live, crime levels are low, while the level of policing is higher than the UK.

But there is also more respect for age among younger people and most people retiring to Spain report that they feel safe on the streets (though normal caution and common sense has to be observed).

But even in this area, there is good news. There is a growing trend in the Spanish Costas for developers to create purpose-built retirement communities with a high level of built in security.

These developments offer a high degree of security and support services and are specifically designed for 55 plus residents.

Typically they will be either in communities with 24 hour reception and such facilities as all-year swimming pool, residents lounge, restaurant/bar, sauna, general shop, fitness room and in many cases emergency medical facilities.

Sky TV is available so all those favourite English-language TV programmes can be watched in Spain. No need to miss Coronation Street or East Enders!

These developments can be close to the beach or inland, but are always close to day to day facilities such as shops, restaurants, bars, banks, medical centre etc.

In some cases, they are set in landscaped gardens with sea and/or mountain views and are usually within one hour's travel of a major airport serving the UK.

Prices vary according to locations, size of apartment, cottage or town house but a typical one bedroom apartment in such a complex would start at around £90-95,000 while a top of the range three bedroom penthouse could be as much as £400,000.

Compared to the  UK, service charges are modest, ranging from around £75 a month to £250 a month.

There are distinct advantage to older people to consider a home in such a complex, not the least being among people of a like age and the friendship and companionship available. Most have very active social programmes organised by the residents which can be used or not by personal preference.

These developments sometimes have close care facilities, too, which is comforting to people who feel they might need extra support later on.

So all the life enhancing benefits of a superb climate and a relaxed lifestyle are available to you whatever your age.

A home in the Med is an investment in health  and how do you put a price on that?

For more details of retirement property in Spain,
contact Alan Walsh on 01494 565585.

Don't forget to mention Seniors Network