Spring is in the air, so rather than treating your well-earned retirement as the autumn of your years, think of it as an exciting period for new beginnings. Time is no longer a precious commodity since your days became your own, and the bank of mum and dad has scaled back operations now the kids have grown up.

So what are you going to do with your new found freedom? You could renew your membership at the local golf club, buy some waterproofs and hope the rain, sleet and snow keep at bay. Or you could finally realise your dream of living in the Spanish sun. You won’t be the first and you certainly won’t be the last retiree to make the once in a lifetime move. Thousands before you have already seized the day and are now enjoying this wonderful country’s climate, culture and convenient location.

If you’re not convinced yet, here are five reasons why retiring to Spain could be the best way to spend this exciting period of your life.

Food and drink

The older we get the more conscious we become of what we eat, as we put the recklessness of youth behind us. If fresh produce, world-famous meats, freshly caught fish and locally produced olive oil float your boat, Spain is the place for you. From surf and turf in Alicante and casual tapas in Seville, to Paella in Valencia and Jamon Iberico in Caeceres, eating will be a joy wherever you choose to retire in this food obsessed country.

Sharing authentic spanish tapas with friends in restaurant or bar. View from above.

Indulge in a healthy Spanish diet

Climate

You’ve never heard the UK’s climate being referred to as “healthy” have you? Obviously the 170 days of rain a year in its wettest city, Glasgow, aren’t what the doctor ordered. Spain and its generous supply of vitamin D on the other hand will leave those joints feeling supple, your skin with a radiant glow and your spirits uplifted.

Many retirees head for the sunny shores of Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca, to bask in the 320 days of sunshine the town enjoys a year. This almost impossible sounding supply of sunbeams even led the World Health Organisation to name it among the healthiest places in the world.

The great outdoors

All this glorious weather means religiously checking the forecast to see how much it’s going to rain will become a thing of the past. The chances are it’s going to be sunny and warm when you step outside your Spanish home. This means rounds of golf, sets of tennis and sunbathing on the beach or by the pool will become the norm, rather than a treat. And what previously would have been a quick drive to the shops to pick up some milk back in the UK will become an enjoyable walk in the sun.

a chalkboard with the question hablas espanol? do you speak Spanish? written in Spanish, a pot with pencils and the flag of Spain, on a wooden desk

Will your answer to this question be sí?

Learn Spanish

Learning the local lingo is a great way to integrate into the local community, while exercising your brain at the same time. Recent research by UK neuroscientists has even proved that learning a new language is a great way for older people to maintain their mental agility. Plus you’ll be able to impress all your friends and family when they come to visit.

Healthcare

Combine the healthy Spanish lifestyle with the findings of a recent study published in The Lancet medical journal, and it’s easy to see why Spain has the second longest life expectancy in the world. The report revealed that of the 195 countries it rated in terms of their quality and access to healthcare, Spain was placed eighth. The UK’s National Health Service on the other hand trailed well behind in 30th place on the list.

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