TOP 7 PLACES TO RETIRE ......

Panama
Panama, the southernmost country in Central America tops the 2016 global retirement havens listings compiled by International Living, with what the magazine describes as “hands down the best package of retirement benefits in the world”. These include discounts for retirees on transport, entertainment, medicine and energy bills.

Ecuador
Ecuador ranks second in the 2016 listings, compiled by International Living magazine, on its generous retirement benefits, affordable housing and a great climate. Indeed, for housing and climate, the country tops this year's rankings.

Malaysia
For year-round sunshine and diversity, consider Malaysia, which offers everything from tropical beaches and remote rainforests to the high-rise bustle of capital, Kuala Lumpur.This former British colony is also an inexpensive place to live, with International Living placing it among the cheapest places to live in its global cost of living index.

Spain
Spain was one of the biggest victims of the Eurozone debt crisis: its economy plunged into recession in 2008, sending property prices sharply downwards and unemployment spiralling.

Malta
Among the smallest and most densely-populated countries in the worldand cost of living here is reasonable.

Portugal
From beaches and golf courses, to fishing villages and medieval towns, Portugal offers its own allure. With a well-established expat population.

Thailand
Known as the “The Land of Smiles”, Thailand offers expats retiring here plenty to smile about — a low cost of living, tropical clime, culture that respects older people plus no tax on retiree income from abroad.