Sleep in late in the morning, have breakfast in the sun, then just see what else the day brings. Maybe a little beach, a walk, a bike ride? A nap at noon, followed by a good book and a sunbath? What sounds like the epitome of a vacation day could be everyday life in the final stage of life. What does it take to make it happen? Pick one of the best countries for retirement from the list below.

The best countries for retirement: criteria

A relaxed lifestyle, a paradisiacal spot on earth and good weather: what more could you want from your final destination? Well, man does not live on sunlight alone. Hard facts also play an important role in the selection of a suitable place for a retirement home. For example, the destination should be safe, it should have good health care and it should also score with a low cost of living. The quality of life and easy-to-navigate bureaucracy are also an advantage. 

Rank 10: Uruguay

The Spanish-speaking country between Brazil and Argentina scores with warm, not too hot summers. Winters are mild. Retirees can choose from different lifestyles. If you want, you can live on a ranch in the grasslands, move to a green city or choose one of the coastal towns. Top: The pension is not taxed, the cost of living is low. Even with about 3,000 euros/month, you can live extremely comfortably here as a couple.

Rank 9: Spain

Mild climate, relaxed lifestyle with good food as well as a lot of culture: Spain is one of the countries for retirement that is also relatively cheap. On the coast, you can live well as a couple from around 2,000 euros/monta. Health care is reliable, there is good public transportation and more than 300 days of sunshine per year. 

Rank 8: Florida/USA

Sure, Florida is not a country. But the state on the east coast of the USA still has to be included in the ranking. After all, it is legendary as a retirement destination. One reason is the great climate. You can chill on the beach all year round and at most flee from a hurricane or two. The cost of living is 15 percent lower than in Germany, and those who can afford it have access to the best health care.

Rank 7: Greece

White cottages nestled on slopes. Olive groves, fishing villages and island lifestyle: Greece is a dream not only as a vacation destination. The Greek islands and the mainland are also suitable as a last stop. In general, the level of health care is high, and the cost of living is 20 percent lower than in other parts of Europe. If you want, you can still find many untouched spots and a lot of peace and quiet.

Rank 6: Ecuador

Good climate, varied landscapes, lots of culture and very reasonable prices make Ecuador one of the best countries for retirement. The cities offer a modern lifestyle, while the Andes, the Amazon rainforest and the nearby Galapagos Islands offer natural experiences. Even with around 1,800 euros/month, it is possible to live well here as a couple. Everyone has access to state hospitals, even without identification and regardless of nationality. The crime rate is 9 percentage points higher than in the USA, for example.

Rank 5: Portugal

Portugal is one of the most popular retirement destinations in Europe. Retirees from all over the world come to stay here. They appreciate the mild weather and the friendly people. A not insignificant role is played by the great nature. Biking, swimming, surfing, hiking - Portugal is an outdoor playground. Depending on where you settle, the cost of living is up to 30 percent cheaper than cities with a similarly well-developed infrastructure. On the world's safest countries index, Portugal ranks 31st (Germany 43rd).

Rank 4: Thailand

Thailand is considered a very safe country. Health care in private hospitals is excellent, highly qualified personnel are employed here. The costs are much lower than in Western Europe; Thailand is even considered a destination for medical tourism. While on the mainland you can experience bustling cities like Bangkok with all its sights, on the Thai islands tranquility is the order of the day. The cost of living is 36 percent lower than in Germany or Austria, for example.

Rank 3: Costa Rica

A country where "pura vida" (pure life) is a welcoming phrase can only be good! Situated between the Caribbean and the Pacific, endowed with rainforest, beach and jungle, Costa Rica is a popular country for retirement. Again, the cost of an apartment or house depends on exactly where you settle. In San Jose, you can live around 800 euros in a three-bedroom apartment. As a couple, you can get by very well on 2,000 euros/month. Health care is the best in Latin America.

Rank 2: cruise

Sure, a ship is not a country. But time and again you hear of people swapping the cruise ship for the retirement home. The idea is obvious. After all, you never get bored. You see the world. Instead of boring dinners, there's captain's dinners. There's laundry on board, full board, medical care and entertainment as much as you want. But is it worth it? Of course, it depends on which ships, which cabin and which retirement home you compare. The concept is winning more and more fans. 93-year-old Lee Wachtstetter, for example, lived on the Crystal Serenity for seven years.

Rank 1: Panama

Oh, how beautiful Panama is! Even the children's book author Janosch knew that. It is an ideal country for retirement because it is far enough away from the tropical hurricane belt. The weather is warm all year round. A pleasant sea breeze blows from the Pacific Ocean. On the other side, the waters of the Caribbean Sea sparkle. The country is safe and has excellent medical care. There are cool mountain retreats, modern cities and laid-back lifestyle in beach communities. Retirees enjoy numerous benefits. For example, they eat 25 percent cheaper in restaurants. The general cost of living is about 25 percent lower than in Germany. That's the way to live!