According to the U.S. State Department there were just four million American expatriates a decade ago. Surveys done last fall indicate interest in emigrating has risen to almost one in five Americans ? that's 60 million people!

Adventure figured into the impulse. But equal considerations were living with less stress; disaffection for American political and social culture; and affordability, including health care. Many are drawn to Panama by specific government incentives for foreign seniors. In Panama it's the Pensionado Visa. Take note that International Living has ranked Panama as having the Best Retiree Incentive Program and as the Best Place to Retire in the world for the past six years ? oh, and to be a Pensionado you only have to be 18! That's right any one over the age of 18 can be a Pensionado. The low cost of living is sweetened even more by this special visa which provides tax breaks and discounts on ordinary household bills and purchases.

Here's a quick Summary of the Benefits of holding a Pensionado Visa in Panama:

- Tax exemption on the importation of household goods up to a total of $10,000.

- Duty exemption for importing a new car every two years.

- 50% off entertainment anywhere in the country (movies, concerts, sports)

- 30% off bus, boat, and train fares

- 25% off airline tickets

- 30 to 50% off hotel stays

- 25% off at restaurants

- 15% off at fast-food restaurants

- 15% off hospital bills

- 10% off prescription medicines

- 20% off medical consultations

- 15% off dental and eye exams

- 20% off professional and technical services

- 25% discounts on utility bills

- 1% interest rate reduction on home mortgages for homes used for personal residence

These are discounts on top of the already low prices compared to the USA, Canada, or Europe. Here's another quick comparison of prices for typical household items and expenses:

Home Insurance - $300 per year

Property Taxes - 0% for up to 20 years on new homes

Heating-A/C - 0 to $500 a year (In the popular highland areas like Boquete, heating or A/C is unneccessary due to the ideal moderate climate)

National Sales Tax - 5%

State Sales Tax - none

Estate Tax - none

Health Insurance - $1,200 per year (For two persons over age 50 in good health)

Dental Care - Cleaning $30; Root Canal $250; Filling $30

Full Time Maid - $150/month

Shoe Shine - .25 - .50 cents

Hand Car Wash - $3.00 (Interior/Exterior)

Bannas - .12 cents/lb

Gourmet Coffee - $2.50/lb

Bread - .99/loaf

Beer - .39 cents/can

Wine - $4/bottle

Fresh Fish - $1.25/pound

An ideal tropical climate; an ultra low cost of living, low crime rate, super friendly local population and a stress free lifestyle is it any wonder the Baby Boomers are escaping to Panama in droves?