Can a 73-Year-Old Man Live Alone in Boquete?

Darell M. Says:

Can a 73-year man survive alone in a town like Boquete, Panama?

IL Contributor in Boquete Beth Abrahams Says:

Hi Darell,

I would say that I’m proof a single person can live well here in Boquete.

In 2012, while in my early 60s, I decided to move out of frigid, horribly expensive Connecticut to this welcoming, temperate, mountain village.

I was happy to discover that this was a senior community, with most of the populace in their 60s and 70s. To accommodate the retiree, Panama offers the Jubilado discount, giving one up to 25% discounts on medicine, doctor visits, travel, and more. This makes Panama a great choice for an older expat.

Boquete is an agricultural community, so local produce is affordable and delicious—adding to the affordability of life here.

But beyond the money saving aspect, Boquete is well known for the “community” it has become, with a welcome hand offered to anyone in need. I have friends who moved away and then came back, as they sorely missed this community aspect.

There are a myriad of health facilities and treatments geared specifically to this aging community; I’ve personally visited an excellent licensed physical therapist.

For social activity, there is bingo, drumming, trivia, pickleball, art shows, concerts, and restaurant special dinners… Just to name a few.

There is never a dull moment here in Boquete, regardless of your age!

Read much more about Boquete, including the cost of living and real estate situation, on the dedicated page of the International Living website here.

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