Long-term financial planning is vital for those considering overseas retirement, a leading elderly people's charity has stated.

Age Concern suggested that it may be advisable for senior citizens thinking about spending their retired years in the sun to move to their desired country on a trial basis as living in a country is "very different" to holidaying there.

"Long-term financial planning is essential. Find out about the cost of living and consider whether any of your income will stop if you move abroad," a spokesperson for the charity stated.

Another factor the charity advised to be taken into consideration included provisions for becoming ill as an increasing number of older people living abroad are unable to support themselves due to ill health.

A recent survey by Saga suggested that some ten per cent of people said they were considering spending their retirement abroad, with France and Spain being the most popular destinations.