Doug Mannell, a 78-year-old Canadian expat, reflects on 15 years of retirement in Panama—sharing candid insights on cost of living, healthcare, longevity, and navigating life abroad.

Doug Mannell is a Canadian retiree who relocated to San Carlos, Panama in 2008 in search of warmer weather and a more affordable lifestyle. With a background in technology and a thoughtful, practical approach to aging, Doug has spent the last 15 years building a fulfilling life abroad. He brings deep personal experience on expat living, financial planning, healthy aging, and adapting to cultural shifts.

• Why Panama won over Costa Rica, Mexico, and Ecuador
• Real cost of living comparisons between Canada, Panama, and the U.S.
• Navigating healthcare as an expat in Panama
• Social connections, aging, and longevity in retirement abroad
• Risks, rewards, and realities of expat life
• Language barriers and adapting to a new culture
• Reflections on AI, societal turbulence, and the digital future

“The best place to retire isn’t universal—it’s deeply personal. Spend time in a place before you commit.”

“You can’t run away from yourself. If you're unhappy, changing countries won’t fix that.”

“We’re heading toward a future where we talk to computers instead of type. That’s the real revolution.”

📺Watch the full podcast on YouTube➡️https://youtu.be/SBrOWiLyo0M?si=H-zqtDoK_lpQCWlN

🎙 The Pod is hosted by Jesse Wright
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