I just read an article in a publication which I m not allowed to mention that quotes number that seem rather unrealistic:

 

Seksan Sripraiwan, director of the TAT's Tokyo office, said senior citizens aged 60 and older account for 32% of Japan's total population, some 40 million people, of which 14-15 million live in Tokyo.

Japanese senior tourists have special interests that differ from other long-stay travellers, said Mr Seksan. Golf culture plays a big part in their community and this sport is safe for the elderly, with many of them choosing to play while staying abroad.

Long-stay travellers from Japan have average spending of 5,000-6,000 baht per day, which is similar to leisure tourists from Japan, he said.

 

I thought many Japanese seniors live in poverty?  I have some elderly Japanese neighbors who buy 40 to 60 Baht meals several times a day.  I rarely see them even shopping at Topps or Rimping.  Also, none of them own golf clubs.  

Okay. 

No brainer for the elderly......I am surprised the market isn't much bigger.

 

The costs of elderly care in the UK are astronomical. Anyone with something about them must be considering care over here or other developing nations. 

Not directly visa or extension related. Moved to the general forum.

6 hours ago, Will B Good said:

No brainer for the elderly......I am surprised the market isn't much bigger.

 

The costs of elderly care in the UK are astronomical. Anyone with something about them must be considering care over here or other developing nations. 

Major consideration for my retiring to Thailand in 2011. I joined millions of other Americans who, perhaps ironically, are no less US economic refugees than Latin Americans, in reverse. I certainly cannot afford a working middle class retirement on the same living standard in the USA.

8 hours ago, sqwakvfr said:

I thought many Japanese seniors live in poverty?  I have some elderly Japanese neighbors who buy 40 to 60 Baht meals several times a day.  I rarely see them even shopping at Topps or Rimping.  Also, none of them own golf clubs. 

that's probably why your neighbors have more money than the average... 

15 hours ago, wwest5829 said:

Major consideration for my retiring to Thailand in 2011. I joined millions of other Americans who, perhaps ironically, are no less US economic refugees than Latin Americans, in reverse. I certainly cannot afford a working middle class retirement on the same living standard in the USA.

Same here...some separation anxiety re: kids and grandchildren, but in this day and age they could be living anywhere in the world over the next 10 years.....so what the hell.