International Living Ultimate Event Attracts Nearly 300 Attendees Who Explore the Growing Trend of Retirin...( The International Living Ultimate Ev...),Health

The International Living Ultimate Event, held recently in Cancun, Mexico, attracted nearly 300 attendees - most from the U.S. and Canada - who are looking to retire overseas. Reasons vary, but most are looking for better

access to quality health care and a lower cost of living

BALTIMORE, June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- More and more Americans are actively looking to retire outside the United States. And they're doing their homework so they don't make mistakes. That was the premise of the International Living Ultimate Event in Cancun, Mexico in late May that attracted nearly 300 attendees -- primarily from the U.S. and Canada -- who want to retire or relocate outside their home countries.

According to a survey completed prior to the event, the majority of those attending (75%) were in the 50-70 age group. The top five countries of interest were, in this order, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Brazil. Respondents indicated they are looking for a lower cost of living, quality health care, better weather, adventure -- and that the deciding factor in selecting a new location is the personal safety it offers.

More than half (50.8%) of those surveyed said they plan to buy property overseas, and 75% of those said they hoped to do so within the next two years. Almost half (47.4%) said they will spend $150,000-$250,000 for that property, and nearly 20% said they would spend up to $500,000.

Dan Prescher, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, and the publisher of International Living, emceed the event. He now lives in Merida, Mexico, and said, "This was our biggest event ever, and a clear indication to me that something big is happening, especially among Baby Boomers. With the cost of almost everything -- including taxes and necessities like gasoline, food, and health care -- going up while the dollar plummets, more people than ever, especially retirees, are looking abroad for a higher-quality, lower-cost lifestyle. And with our help they'r
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