When you announce to your family and friends that you intend to spend your retirement in Portugal, rather than where you currently live, there are bound to be a lot of objections. These are perfectly understandable. After all, when you are enjoying your new life in Portugal, all those people will still be back home.

It’s a good idea to have an explanation ready to ease their concerns and show them why you are choosing to move to a foreign country to spend your Golden Years. Here are some answers.

It’s Your Life

You deserve to be happy just like anybody else. Having spent the past several decades working to help other people get more out of life — including your children, your employer, and even your neighbors and friends — it’s finally time to put yourself first. Moving to warm, sunny Portugal gives you the freedom to pursue your own happiness after having served other people for so long.

Portugal also is an attractive destination for retirees. Its health care system is entirely free for people older than 65 so — unlike in the US — you will never have to worry about being bankrupted by medical bills if you or your partner were to get a catastrophic illness.

The cost of living is also significantly lower than it is in most major US cities. And the climate is more comfortable, especially for older adults. With warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, it’s akin to moving to Southern California or Florida except significantly more affordable.

Visitors Welcome

Another great way to overcome objections is to remind people that they are welcome to visit you in Portugal anytime. The fact that they will know people in Europe’s friendliest and most inviting country usually is argument enough to turn your family and friends around on the idea of your retiring in Portugal.

When it comes down to it, the truth is that you have only one life to live. And you deserve to spend it any way you like — especially if it means retiring to beautiful Portugal.