This photo copyright by K. Dickson from LookThroughTheLens.com
Taiwan is consistently ranked as one of the best places for expats to live, thanks to its high quality of life, excellent and affordable healthcare (NHI), and famously friendly people. For older foreigners or those looking to retire, the island offers a wealth of opportunities for engagement, from organized community events to self-guided cultural and natural travel in Taiwan.
Here is a comprehensive guide to staying active, connected, and culturally enriched in Taiwan’s major cities and beyond.
I. Community & Social Hubs
While younger workers dominate the typical expat scene, several key resources are excellent for older foreigners seeking to build a long-term community.
The Community Services Center – Taipei
The Community Services Center (CSC) is a non-profit organization that provides resources and activities primarily in English for the international community. It is an excellent place for older foreigners to connect.
| Activity Type | Examples & Benefits |
| Social Gatherings | Monthly Coffee Mornings are popular, free, and require no registration, offering a chance to meet staff, volunteers, and other expats. |
| Creative Arts & Hobbies | Look for classes like Mahjong, which provides both a social and mental exercise. |
| Wellness & Fitness | The center often hosts classes like Pilates, wellness workshops (e.g., healthy eating), and guided hikes. |
| Workshops & Seminars | They offer “Essential Series” workshops on topics like banking, culture, and navigating life in Taiwan. |
| Volunteer Opportunities | Seniors can volunteer their time and skills, a great way to stay professionally/socially engaged and give back. |
- CSC Website: https://communitycenter.org.tw/
Online Expat Forums & Local Groups
For finding information and making local connections, these online communities are essential:
Forumosa
- Forumosa: Taiwan’s largest and most active English-language online community. It’s an invaluable resource for long-term residents, with threads and categories discussing retirement, the NHI system, visa hurdles, and financial planning.
https://www.forumosa.com/
Taiwan Subreddits for Retirees and Expats
- Reddit: Subreddits like r/taiwan and /taipei frequently host discussions on retiring in Taiwan. There are also a few in Chinese that might be relevant.
Here’s a curated list of Taiwan-related subreddits that retirees, especially expats or those considering retirement in Taiwan, might find useful, informative, and welcoming:
| Taiwan Sub-reddits | Focus Area | Why It’s Useful for Retirees |
|---|---|---|
| r/taiwan | General news, culture, and daily life | Great for staying informed and connected to local issues |
| r/TaiwanTravel | Travel tips, destinations, and logistics for travel in Taiwan | Ideal for planning scenic getaways and slower travel |
| r/TaiwanFood | Local cuisine and dining tips | Explore food culture and find senior-friendly options |
| r/Taipei | City-specific updates and community posts | Useful for retirees living in or visiting Taipei |
| r/TaiwanPics | Scenic and cultural photography | Enjoy visual storytelling and share your own captures |
Facebook Groups
Facebook Groups for Retirees & Expats in Taiwan
| Group Name | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan Expats | One of the largest and most active groups for foreigners living in Taiwan. Covers everything from visas to healthcare to social events. | Visit Group |
| Taipei Expats | Focused on life in Taipei, including housing, meetups, and local services. Great for retirees based in the capital. | Visit Group |
| Kaohsiung Expats | For those living or retiring in southern Taiwan. Includes housing, events, and lifestyle tips. | Visit Group |
| Taichung Expats | Central Taiwan-focused group with a mix of long-term residents and newcomers. | Visit Group |
II. Cultural Immersion and Leisure
Taiwan offers numerous accessible cultural sites and venues where older foreigners can appreciate the arts and local history.
| City | Venue/Activity | Description & Relevance |
| Taipei | National Palace Museum | A major attraction with world-class Chinese art and artifacts. It typically offers free admission to senior citizens (65+) and provides English audio guides. |
| Taipei | Performing Arts | Search for live music at venues like Blue Note (Jazz) or others. The Taipei EYE sometimes features traditional Peking opera with English subtitles. |
| Taipei | Tea Culture & Hot Springs | Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in a teahouse or take a relaxing trip to hot spring resorts like Beitou (Taipei) or Jiaoxi (Yilan). |
| Taichung | National Taichung Theater | This architectural landmark often hosts international and local performing arts. |
| Taichung | NTMoFA | The National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts features contemporary Taiwanese and international exhibitions. |
| Tainan | Chimei Museum | A stunning, European-style museum housing an impressive private collection of Western art and musical instruments. |
| Tainan | Historic Forts & Temples | Explore the city’s rich past by visiting the Chihkan Tower (Fort Provintia), Anping Fort (Fort Zeelandia), and the serene Tainan Confucius Temple. |
| General | Lifelong Learning | Consider taking beginner Mandarin language classes or look into local art studios for workshops in calligraphy or painting. |
III. Active and Accessible Travel
The Taiwan Tourism Administration actively promotes senior-friendly travel across the island with accessible, relaxed-pace itineraries.
Senior-Friendly (“LOHAS”) Travel
The national LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) travel strategy is ideal for seniors and includes:
- Ease of Transportation: Utilizing accessible public transport and the comfortable High-Speed Rail (HSR).
- Relaxed Pacing: Offering minimal walking and comfortable accommodations.
- Key Destinations: Trips often include the tranquil Sun Moon Lake (via electric boat or cable car) and the scenic Alishan (via scenic railway).
- Tourism Administration Senior Travel Info: https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0042075
Budget-Friendly Activities
- Embrace Night Markets: Eating at local eateries and night markets is the most authentic and cheapest way to eat in Taiwan. Meals are often under $5 USD. Look for markets known for their available seating.
- Enjoy Free Culture: Many of Taiwan’s top attractions offer discounts or free entry to seniors. For example, the National Palace Museum often offers free admission to those aged 65 and above (check if foreign seniors with a valid passport qualify).
- Visit Parks & Gardens: Cities are rich with beautiful, free green spaces like the Taipei Botanical Garden or Taichung Park, which offer tranquil, easy walking paths.
Regional Outdoor Activities
| City/Area | Activity | Description & Accessibility |
| Taichung | Cycling | The Hou-Fong Bike Path and Dongfeng Bicycle Green Way are converted, flat railway lines, offering scenic routes suitable for a leisurely ride. |
| Kaohsiung | Outdoor Groups | Local expat groups often organize hiking or cycling trips (check Facebook/Meetup) that cater to varied fitness levels. |
| Tainan | Sicao Green Tunnel | Take a relaxing boat ride through the tranquil “Taiwan’s Amazon,” offering a leisurely nature experience. |
| General | Parks & Gardens | Enjoy the tranquility of places like the Taipei Botanical Garden or the old-world charm of Taichung Park. |
| General | Hiking | Websites like All Trails and Taiwan Trails and Tales offer routes categorized by difficulty, making it easy to choose trails with easy walking or minimal ascent. |