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by nine_zeros 1224 days ago
I suspect a lot of boomers will discover this option soon. As soon as you retire, say at ages 60-65, it is more optimal to leave the US and live in Mexico/SE Asia until health permits. Then return back to the US in your early 70s with the full support of medicare and SS.
2 comments
citizenkeen 1224 days ago
My parents stayed in Mexico after their Medicare and SS kicked in.

Once you've been down there for 5-10 years, why would you come back? There are huge communities of retired expats in Mexico. We're talking 5-10k expats all visiting the same grocery stores, churches, etc.

My parent's best friends down there grew up in the same era they did, often in the same regions of the US. I don't know what my parents would come back to the US for?

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nine_zeros 1224 days ago
> I don't know what my parents would come back to the US for?

Sure. Once you have a community in another country, there are very few reasons to return back. But not everyone can build a lasting community. For them, returning back is still an option.

That said, I agree that even hospice and LTC is cheaper in other countries. Just take your money and live there in peace.

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mindslight 1224 days ago
Heh, you write "full support of medicare and SS" as if that's a solution. It's not really a solution (as the article alludes to). IME -

1. Kid(s) that will take care of you, or at least hands on supervise your care and fill in gaps in staff.

2. As little time as possible between being in rehab/hospital, and hospice.

3. Money

If you have at least two out of those three, you won't have a horrible experience dying. Otherwise you end up in the state-paid nursing home gristmill, where you can at least take solace that they've checked the boxes on the paper saying they're turning and cleaning you.

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nine_zeros 1224 days ago
Only 2 and 3 are viable options for many. 2 is unpredictable. But 3 can be achieved by simply spending less in retirement. Plenty of countries out there where you can live on $1k/mo.
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mindslight 1224 days ago
Yeah I don't disagree with your overall point about people retiring in low cost of living areas globally. I just don't think those people will be coming back, or would even plan to come back. Of course doing so greatly removes your ability for #1, which is about the only way to make sure you're not fleeced and discarded.
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