I joined this site because

     Thanks for all the useful comments to this post, especially about the Visa......

     I'm an unattached male senior and a bit of an Anglophile, I'm considering a permanent move. The UK and Europe hold everything I am interested in and if I'm destined to spend my life alone I need to be somewhere where my mind is busy and stimulated, and it would take another 50 years to do and see everything I want to do in those places.  I've many interests, and am also fit and very healthy.
     Though I've friends and kin in the UK, and have been there many times, I'm spoiled, having lived in Florida near the beaches for most of my life. I'm concerned about the cold wet climate and would appreciate some input.  Of course the ideal situation is to be here part time, there part time, but I can no longer afford to do that.
     Money will be a concern. I live a comfortable life but will have to make some changes, and wonder just how much, exactly, it will take me to live a slightly-more-than-spartan life. I've worked that out, pretty much, but need some reinforcement.
     Thanks for your help.

Welcome aboard.

May I suggest first visiting the Visa section of this board?

Unfortunately, it is quite difficult for Americans to spend much time in the UK except as an occassional visitor if they do not qualify for the appropriate visa.

Also, you're right to worry about the weather.  I didn't think that the weather would bother my OA as much as it has because I've lived all my life in places with cold winters.  The damp and cold together is something entirely different.  I am not sure how older people manage, and I definitely don't think that someone who isn't used to it would feel wonderful about staying after their first winter here.  If you can figure out a way to do it part of the year, then yeah, I'd avoid the winters if you have the slightest problem with your joints.

There may be some options if you have money or if you possibly have EEA citizenship that you didn't know about.  Some people are eligible for Irish citizenship.  If you are descended from people who lost their German citizenship during WWII you may be eligible for German citizenship (one of the few instances where Germany allows dual citizenship).  

As WHW suggests, the Visa section is the best way to start for both UK visas and possible EEA routes to the UK.

There may be some options if you have money...

Unfortunately the Retired Persons of Independent Means visa went away last year.

Do they still do the investment/entrepreneur visa?  ETA: I know that there is a lot of money involved in that, but is it still an option for those who can get the money up?

Do they still do the investment/entrepreneur visa?  ETA: I know that there is a lot of money involved in that, but is it still an option for those who can get the money up?

Yes, A LOT of money.  As in, at least £1m at your disposal and at least £750,000 of that to invest in unit trusts or private companies.

You also cannot work in any other capacity than managing your investments.

Do they still do the investment/entrepreneur visa?  ETA: I know that there is a lot of money involved in that, but is it still an option for those who can get the money up?

They both require SUBSTANTIAL funds...as an entrepreneur I believe its a minimum of £200,000 and the investor is a minimum of £1,000,000.

What is the entrepreneur category?
The entrepreneur category is for those investing in the United Kingdom by setting up or taking over, and being actively involved in the running of, one or more businesses in the United Kingdom.

...access to £200,000;

and

What is the investor category?
The investor category is designed to allow high net worth individuals make a substantial financial investment in the United Kingdom.

Who can apply as an investor?
Unlike our work permit scheme (soon to be replaced by sponsored workers (Tier 2), you do not need a job offer to apply under the investor category. When you apply you are awarded points based on your ability to invest £1,000,000 in the United Kingdom.

x-posted w/WHW