News

Every once in a while, a story pulls at your heartstrings. A recent article in Business Insider hit the mark.

The article is a first-hand account from Debbie Boyd, a retired real estate broker, who moved to Panama earlier this year with her 97-year-old mother. Ms. Boyd was looking for a more affordable lifestyle and access to quality healthcare, and she has found both in Panama.

“Healthcare is excellent here and we can afford a larger home,” Boyd, 71, told the publication.

We see stories like this all the time at PPR. Retirees find that the quality of life in their home country is not what they expected. They worked hard, but their money is not going very far. It’s gratifying to see their reaction after they come to Panama and find an easier, sunny lifestyle without the stress of depleting their hard-earned retirement funds 

The Boyds moved from Atlanta and faced an array of physical and health hardships, but they are already settling into life in Panama.

“My first impression is that I love it here,” Ms. Boyd said. “The people in Panama are very friendly and caring. Our goal now is to get more entrenched in this new life.”

On one level, the Boyds’ story is not usual. It was hard to live on Social Security and a small pension. Plus, they were tired of the turmoil and political tension in the U.S.

Ms. Boyd did her homework and found Panama Real Estate “checked a lot of the boxes,” including excellent healthcare options. She had a friend who retired in Panama, which gave her firsthand intelligence about what to expect. And she was ready for a change.

It’s not easy for Ms. Boyd and her Mom, but they’re making it work in Panama. They rented a four-bedroom house with an in-ground pool and a large living room for $1,500 a month.

“I get so much more for my money,” she said..

But what resonates in her story is when she talks about the people in Panama and her experiences in day-to-day life.

“When I go to the mall, people talk with me,” Ms. Boyd said. “When they realize I only speak a little Spanish, everybody’s helpful, pleasant, and willing to help me find things.”

Read the Boyds’ story here.