They are in for a world of hurt once the shiny of Panama wears off. The mosquitos and swamp means going to port to get anything is a health risk. I know they say highland… think rolling hill. The heat is crazy there 100 f for months with 90 percent plus humidity… it’s a jungle. The countries produces almost no food, the water there tastes funny and is home to a ton of nasty things us not life time residents don’t do well against.
I wish them luck but if you want to retire look to argentine, Chile, Peru much better climate on all fronts.