Every once in a while, it’s a good idea to revisit what you want out of life. There have been many changes in the last year, and many people wonder if retiring in Europe is still an option. Well, the short answer is “it is.” Retirement isn’t the end of the road—it’s the beginning of a new one. If you’re nearing or already in retirement, ask yourself this: What if the best chapter of your life hasn’t been written yet? What if, instead of slowing down, you sped up—in a different direction?

That’s the spirit behind retiring in Europe—a continent that’s not just steeped in history, art, food, and beauty, but also incredibly livable, affordable, and adventure-ready for those who still want more from life. Because let’s face it: if you stop challenging yourself, life is over.

Life After Retirement Is Long—So Make It Count

Most people live 20 to 30 years (or more!) after retirement. That’s a huge amount of time to fill. For some, the idea of golfing, gardening, and watching Netflix sounds like bliss—for a while. But humans aren’t wired to sit still forever. We thrive on novelty, learning, and experiences.

This is where the philosophy of the "Yes Theory" YouTube channel comes in. Their slogan, “Seek Discomfort,” is more than a catchphrase—it’s a life mantra. These creators have built a global movement around the idea that growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones. It’s where the magic is. And what better time to “seek discomfort” than in retirement, when you finally have the time, freedom, and perspective to truly live?

Why Europe?

Europe may be the ultimate retirement playground. Here's why:

1. It's More Affordable Than You Think
Countries like Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, Greece, and even parts of Italy offer a significantly lower cost of living than many cities in the U.S. You can enjoy a high quality of life—charming apartments, fresh markets, evening strolls, vibrant local life—at a fraction of the price. Many places also offer tax incentives and retiree residency programs that make settling in easier than you’d expect.

2. The Culture Never Stops
Europe is saturated with world-class museums, music, architecture, cuisine, festivals, and history. You could live for 10 years and still not run out of medieval villages to explore, coastal trails to hike, or operas to attend. In Europe, your days have built-in inspiration. Every city square feels like a postcard; every conversation in a café is a window into another way of life.

3. It’s Safe, Clean, and Well-Serviced
European countries consistently rank high in safety, public cleanliness, and the quality of public services. Public transport works, trash gets picked up, and you’re rarely far from a scenic walking trail. Even smaller towns often have a reliable bus line and a cozy train station that connects you to the rest of the continent.

4. Healthcare That Cares
Europe is home to some of the best healthcare systems in the world—and they’re often far more affordable than in the U.S., even for private coverage. Many retirees are surprised to learn that they can access excellent doctors, specialists, and medications for a fraction of what they used to pay back home.

Seek Discomfort—Even in Your 60s, 70s, or 80s

Yes, moving to another country is a little scary. Yes, you’ll have to figure out a new language, navigate new systems, and maybe even get lost now and then. But that’s exactly the point!

Discomfort means you're growing. It means you’re still alive. You don’t have to bungee jump off cliffs like the Yes Theory crew (unless you want to!)—but moving abroad, learning to order coffee in Italian, or navigating your first local festival is its own kind of adventure. And the rewards? Lifelong memories, new friendships, and a story you’ll actually be proud to tell.

Do you want to be one of those people that have nothing to talk about except their health issues? You know the type: you call them, ask, “How are you doing?” and you get a 5-minute dissertation on their back, sinuses, bad knee, etc. Instead, be the person who can talk about the last great restaurant, museum, or hiking trail you visited. Be the person who met interesting people from all over the world.

Don’t Just Do Retirement. Live It.

There’s no one way to retire. But if you’re someone who believes that adventure doesn’t have an expiration date, Europe might be calling your name. So don’t wait until the “perfect” time—because that rarely comes. Follow the Yes Theory spirit and seek discomfort. Trade routine for discovery. Let yourself be challenged.

And above all, remember: the rest of your life is still ahead of you. Make it one worth living—fully, deeply, and with just the right amount of beautiful discomfort. After all, it’s not the years in your life that are important, it’s the life in your years. Make every day worth living.