- Portugal presents the ideal destination for affordable later living
- Moving to Portugal Show highlights benefits of relocating for retirement
- Traditional concept of ‘retirement’ redefined by new Portuguese later living resorts
Portugal has long been a hit with retirees. International Living recently ranked it as the best country in Europe for retirement. But many of those who move there aren’t seeking to simply put their feet up in the sunshine.
For Patricia Wells, moving to Portugal from the UK in her later years was the start of a new adventure. She explains:
“On retirement, we were looking for a challenge in our ‘Third Age’: a new experience, a different culture and the opportunity to acquire another language.”
Patricia is one of a growing cohort of retirees who don’t simply want to stop – they want to rebalance and explore while also being able to socialise, enjoy cultural pursuits and focus of health and fitness.
Portugal has a great deal to offer those looking to do this somewhere tranquil and safe. The country ranks 7th in the 2024 Global Peace Index; the UK ranks 34th. Portugal also boasts the 16th lowest crime index score in Europe, according to the Numbeo Crime Index. The UK trails behind in 39th place – just four places from bottom.
In addition to its tranquillity and sunshine, Portugal also offers a wealth of cultural pursuits, with everything from art and music to philosophy held in high regard. The better weather is, of course, an intrinsic part of the appeal, enabling residents to engage in an active, outdoor lifestyle almost year-round.
Christina Hippisley, General Manager of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, which organises the free-to-attend Moving to Portugal Show and Seminars, has seen a notable shift in recent years when it comes to what retirees are seeking from Portugal. She comments:
“Portugal still ticks all the same boxes in terms of affordability, stunning scenery, outstanding food and wine, and an easy relocation experience, but it now offers something more for those seeking active later living. We’ve seen new resorts spring up that cater specifically to those who want to retire, or semi-retire, and in so doing start a whole new adventure.”
Life Plan Resorts – Lisbon is perhaps the leading example of this in Portugal. Just 30 minutes from the capital, in the heart of a breath-taking cork tree forest, with a long established 18 hole golf course and 2.8 kilometres of river frontage, the resort offers an idyllic sanctuary for both independent and assisted living. Homes range from one to three bedrooms, accommodating a wide variety of needs, while over 100 activities are available for residents to engage in. The outstanding amenities include access to quality healthcare, with a seamless continuum of care for those who need additional support as they age.
The concept of healthy, active aging was at the heart of Life Plan Resorts – Lisbon from the outset. The owner, healthcare entrepreneur Jack Shevel, founded the innovative country and golf living community in 2022 as a place for like-minded individuals to get more from their later years. There are sports and cultural activities, workstations for those who are still keen on working and on-demand health services.
Patricia Wells and partner Chris, a retired doctor, are planning to settle at Life Plan Resorts – Lisbon in the near future. Chris comments:
“The huge variety of activities in the Life Plan Resort particularly appeals to me. We’re also excited to live near Lisbon for cultural and social activities. It is important to have a strategy as we age, and if we become unable to maintain our present levels of self-care. We have seen many sad cases where people have had to leave their homes here to return to the UK for their families to care for them. This is often heartbreaking as they leave their familiar surroundings and friends, and it’s very disruptive as they return to a cold and rainy life in UK.”
With 24/7 in-house care services available should residents need them, along with assisted living options and rehabilitation services, Life Plan Resorts – Lisbon tackles this head-on. It provides an innovative life lease option that delivers security of tenure and certainty for residents, along with an active lifestyle that is redefining later living.
For older people, relocating to Portugal is also easy from a visa perspective. The country provides a D7 visa scheme specifically aimed at older movers with a regular passive income. Under the terms of the visa, they are free to work in Portugal too, providing plenty of flexibility for those who want to rebalance leisure and work without giving up the latter entirely.
Life Plan Resorts – Lisbon and a range of other specialist exhibitors, from tax and legal specialists to property professionals, will be available at the Moving to Portugal Show and Seminars in London on 17th October 2024. Taking place at London’s Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel, the event will provide delegates with access to a wide range of expertise relating to relocating to Portugal. Tickets for the event are free and can be booked online at https://MTP-London.eventbrite.co.uk
For more information, please contact the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK: www.portuguese-chamber.org.uk or www.movingtoportugal.org.uk, tel 00 44 7463 689666.