I help people retire abroad. How to decide if it's the right move, and how to prepare

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-08-30T11:15:53.827Z • Permanent link

Relocation expert and founder of Global Retiree, Sarah Jones, has been helping individuals plan their retirements abroad for over a decade. Her expertise has been sought after by major publications such as Forbes and Kiplinger, and she has worked closely with institutions like the Social Security Administration to provide guidance on international retirement options. In recent years, Jones has noticed a significant increase in interest from American retirees looking to escape high costs of living and taxes in the US. According to a report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the number of American expats living abroad has grown by over 50% in the past five years alone.

One of the key drivers behind this trend is the rising cost of living in the US, particularly in cities like New York and San Francisco. According to data from Zillow, the median home price in San Francisco has increased by over 100% in the past decade, making it increasingly difficult for retirees to afford a comfortable lifestyle. Meanwhile, many countries in Central and South America, as well as Southeast Asia, offer a lower cost of living and a more relaxed pace of life that is attracting retirees from all over the world. For example, Panama has become a popular destination for American retirees, with a cost of living that is significantly lower than in the US.

Jones's expertise has also been shaped by her experience working with clients who are looking to retire abroad. She notes that one of the biggest challenges facing retirees is navigating the complex and often confusing world of international healthcare. "Many retirees assume that they can simply purchase health insurance in their new country, but this is often not the case," she says. "There are many different types of insurance available, and it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you." To address this issue, Jones has developed a range of resources and tools that help retirees make informed decisions about their healthcare options.

The trend towards retirees moving abroad has significant implications for the Data Sources domain, which is comprised of companies, research communities, markets, and policy environments that rely on data and analytics to inform their decisions. For example, companies like IBM and Microsoft are investing heavily in data analytics and artificial intelligence, and the ability to collect and analyze data from around the world is becoming increasingly important. According to a report by McKinsey, the global data analytics market is expected to grow by over 50% in the next five years, driven in part by the increasing demand for data-driven insights from companies operating in the Data Sources domain.

The rise of international retirement options also has significant implications for research communities, particularly those focused on aging and healthcare. Researchers at institutions like the University of California, Berkeley, and Harvard University are conducting studies on the impact of international retirement on healthcare systems and economies. These studies are helping to inform policy decisions and shape the development of new programs and services that support retirees moving abroad. For example, the Social Security Administration has launched a range of initiatives to support American retirees living abroad, including a new program that provides financial assistance for healthcare costs.

The trend towards retirees moving abroad is part of a larger pattern of demographic change that is shaping the global economy. According to a report by the Pew Research Center, the number of people aged 65 and older is expected to increase by over 50% in the next decade, driven in part by advances in medicine and a growing awareness of the importance of retirement planning. This demographic shift is having significant implications for economies around the world, particularly those with aging populations. For example, Japan has one of the oldest populations in the world, with over 28% of the population aged 65 and older.