Salmon Phenomenon:Increasing Numbers of Latinos Returning To Homelands To Retire

Drawn by a lower cost of living, increasing numbers of Hispanic retirees are leaving the United States to return to Latin America -- what sociologists call `the salmon phenomenon.'
Posted on Mon, Mar. 31, 2008Digg del.icio.us AIM reprint print email
BY JUAN CARLOS CHAVEZ
El Nuevo Herald

ROBERTO KOLTUN/EL NUEVO HERALD STAFF
Ecuadorean Mario Ona is retiring to his native country after 20 years in the United States.They came to America with the idea of forging a better future and they did it.

Now, however, growing numbers of Latin American immigrants close to the age of retirement are choosing to return to their countries of origin, where their Social Security checks, private pensions and savings will stretch further.

One in 10 Hispanics between 40 and 74 is seriously considering returning to their homeland or another region of the Americas that offers better conditions for healthcare and living, according to a recent study.

http://www.miamiherald.com/top_stories/story/476499.html

By miamimike on Mar 31, 2008, 09:33 in Friendly Talkzone.

Mononoke28 says on Mar 31, 2008, 09:42:

That's exactly how we're planning on doing it. Six months here, six months there. Can't wait! =D

Diana

ColombianoGringo says on Mar 31, 2008, 09:44:

Ditto. I would still want to keep a home in the US, but our long-term plan is to retire in Colombia.

Simon says on Mar 31, 2008, 09:49:

You better bet I'm gonna retire in Colombia!

HERE'S SIMON!!!!

miamimike says on Mar 31, 2008, 10:01:

I thought it was an interesting article. Though I'm not Latino(am italian so not much of a difference except for the wine and spaghetti and the fact we are better Lovers lol) I am also looking to retire outside of the USA. At this time, I don't know what country as there are MANY good options. Maybe its better to rent and move from country to country, wherever the Trout Fishing and Vino is better. Guess that would be Argentina and Chile for me.

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.

adela says on Mar 31, 2008, 16:00:

Well, If I would be on a retired age, I surely look for my county to live in. The ideal to me is to live in Colombia and travel a lot. I got the first thing...not the second I wish to.

Hey, Miamimike, are you sure Italians are better lovers than latinos? Perhaps, but I heard Italians are also not that loyals...;)

Màs fe, màs abrazos, màs besos, màs disculpas, màs visitas a nuestros amigos antiguos nos haràn màs plenos cada vez.

Timba says on Mar 31, 2008, 17:05:

There was another column some time ago saying that quite a number of immigrants were returning home as the economic opportunities in Latin America were better than those in the U.S....that is for the educated, professional class and businessmen.