There are many reasons for an overseas retirement, but increasingly seniors are opting to retire abroad for economic reasons. Although the countries in Latin America are popular because of their proximity to the United States, Southeast Asia is attracting more American retirees and the Philippines is becoming a popular retirement destination.

One of the major reasons for the popularity of a Philippines retirement is the low cost of living in the Philippines. Depending on where one chooses to live, it is possible to reduce one's cost of living significantly. Although one could live on a budget of $600 a month, a more realistic budget would probably be in the area of $1,000 a month.

This budget includes rent for a multi-bedroom house, utilities (phone, cable tv, internet, electricity, water), food, and transportation expenses. Depending on how well one managed the budget, it could easily include the services of a maid. Living in a more upscale and exclusive gated community or villa in the city is likely to be more expensive adding several hundred dollars more to your rent.

Although the Philippines is a newly industrializing country, the cost of living in that country is about one-fifth to one-fourth that of the United States. And in relative terms, the US dollar remains strong against the peso, although it does fluctuate from year to year.

A Philippines retirement is ideal for someone on a modest budget.

The second major advantage of a Philippines retirement is that the country presents the retiree with a broad range of environments. The country consists of over 7,000 islands and there is no shortage of ocean recreation for anyone who wants to retire to life on a tropical beach. One can surf, dive, fish, or just soak up the sun to your heart's content.

However, if the tropical climate is a little too warm for your liking, the retiree can choose to live in the mountains. The cities of Baguio and Tagaytay are located in the mountains and offer much cooler climates. These two cities have become attractive retirement destinations for American expatriates.

On the other hand, if urban living is your thing, then a Philippines retirement provides the option of living in Metro Manila, Cebu or Davao. These are the three largest cities in the country and provide all the modern amenities that a retiree could desire. From mega malls, to international cuisine, to exotic nightlife or to a quiet morning at a Starbucks - the urban retiree will find much to be at home with.

A Philippines retirement presents the retiree with many environmental choices to match one's lifestyle.

The Philippines has a long history of Spanish colonialism since the 1500's. What most people fail to realize is that following the Spanish American War, the Philippines was an American colony and later a commonwealth. During the World War II, the ties between America and the Philippines were strengthened in the common fight against the Japanese. As a result, the historical and cultural ties between the United States and the Philippines are fairly strong.

English is still widely taught in schools, making the Philippines the most language friendly country in Asia for American retirees. This has been already been recognized by many call center companies and the Philippines has quickly become a major focus of call center operations.

The Philippines also has very strong roots in traditional Asian cultures. And like many other Asian cultures, elders are treated with a great deal of respect. This is quite different from western societies that tend to look at seniors as "over the hill". Overall, a Philippines retirement should be a retiree friendly experience for seniors.

If retiring in the Philippines, medical care is relatively available in the major cities of the country. The country has embarked upon a medical tourism initiative to attract people from other countries to their affordable health care system. Costs for major medical procedures can be up to 80% less than in the United States. The best hospitals are accredited by an international accrediting body that sets high standards for accreditation.

In addition to acute (hospital based) medical care, a Philippines retirement also can mean affordable long term care.(home based). It is relatively inexpensive to hire a nurse or caregiver to provide long term care services. This is a cheap and viable alternative to the high costs of a nursing home in the United States.