Move to Spain for over 60s, good or bad?

Medical care is good at point of contact but there is little to no aftercare, as here families are expected to do it, nursing homes are expensive and hard to get into. You don't get the community care support like you do in other countries. So people rely on friends and family if they need help beyond the doctor / hospital. I've found the doctors / hospital/ pharmacies to be first class. 

As for meeting people, if you are outgoing and open minded then there are lots of people in the same position as you and the retired folk seem to have the best social lives here! 

As for area, I'd go coastal rather than inland in your position as public transport is limited more inland and there is more going on along the coast year-round. Los Alcazares, los narejos and San pedro are good areas with amenities and international communities. 

I'd suggest renting for a year rather than buying to see if you like it or coming out for extended periods and attending some social events rather than things aimed at holiday makers.

As for animal cruelty, it's not as bad as it used to be and spain is introducing new laws to protect animals but these will take a few years to embed into the psyche of the population. There are stray cats around but there are also colonies where they are protected and dogs are usually picked up pretty quickly by the council or one of the many local charities that help animals.

Of course you may need to look into visa requirements as well, depending on which country you are from. 

Hola    take the step    tip rent first    it is not that bad    I have lived here for four years     apart from a bad foot (Dr Goggle said gout) 

I have no need (as yet) of medical help     but get a red and white card

try around Los Alcazares     flat for walking   some meeting groups     many English   in the 525 square you will not go short of food

also near Balsicas is a kennel (off the RM19  sounds like fire?  "la Fuego"?) )that takes in stray dogs   (you do need a car or lift)  

in need of helpers   and dog walkers          look at Roldan, charity for donkeys    

also look at work in charity shops   (not Mabs  unless you like being shouted at) Another way to meet others 

but life is short    just go for it     never to late to start ..    Dave

You would need to go through the visa process (assuming a UK passport?), and until you reach pension age take out private medical insurance as part of the NLV. This could be expensive depending on your health history but would ease the language difficulties as more doctors in the private hospitals seem willing to speak English.

Don't rule out living in a city - Murcia and Cartagena have plenty shopping, there is public transport and plenty to see. If you have a low tolerance to heat and humidity look elsewhere, like the Axarquia or Malaga.

Hi Dax 

Thank you for your response, it was extremely helpful and insightful.  Having no close family it was something that concerned me but not as much as the animal welfare issue!!   I am so glad to hear that more steps are being taken to protect animals.  I.m still working full time and due to retire next year, so currently the possibility of renting for a time is not possible.  Once I have sold my house and move it will be a case "all in" as I will not have anywhere to come back to if it does not work out.  However, having read quite a few posts on the forum I can see that there are many in similar position to myself that have taken the plunge and are better for it.  A social life for singles over 60s in the UK is non existent, so I suppose it would be worth taking the risk and making the move.  Priority now would be to find the right area.  

Hi Dax 

Thank you for your response, it was extremely helpful and insightful.  Having no close family it was something that concerned me but not as much as the animal welfare issue!!   I am so glad to hear that more steps are being taken to protect animals.  I.m still working full time and due to retire next year, so currently the possibility of renting for a time is not possible.  Once I have sold my house and move it will be a case "all in" as I will not have anywhere to come back to if it does not work out.  However, having read quite a few posts on the forum I can see that there are many in similar position to myself that have taken the plunge and are better for it.  A social life for singles over 60s in the UK is non existent, so I suppose it would be worth taking the risk and making the move.  Priority now would be to find the right area.  

Hi Dave

Thank you for your response, very helpful.  Renting seems to be the way to go initially, however at the moment still working full time but due to retire next year.  My health thankfully is good, though I have had gout and god it was painful  but completely cleared up now.  I think that moving to Spain is the way to go.  Single life here for over 60s is non existent and we do not have the good weather to have as many outdoor pursuits.  Walking is so good for you and has to be a consideration of the move as weather conditions here, in South Wales, are usually not conducive to taking a hike added to which, in the area I live,  there are no scenic or otherwise places to walk.  

Hi Peter

Thank you for your response, very helpful indeed.  I do have a UK passport and can I assume that I could start the visa process now?  I am lucky that I am in good health.  I have considered all areas city, coast or otherwise but without actually being there I cannot envisage which lifestyle would be better given that I am moving on my own.  I'm still working full time but as soon as I can I will be looking to rent for a while to consider the options.  Thank you 

I hope you don't have a criminal record.  I had "The Laughing Gnome" by David Bowie tucked away in the loft and that nearly prevented me from getting my visa.  If you have any Donny Osmond or Bay City Roller records, forget it.  :D

The Spanish are not known for their kindness to animals. Where we live, most Spaniards tend to leave dogs outside 24/7. The non stop barking drives us nuts............