Defeats the purpose of what? Wanting to hang around your friends and family once you've retired from the workforce? OP never mentioned this is a goal. But if it is, there's nothing to stop Alex from seeing their family in person if they visit for a holiday or go back every Christmas for a catchup.
Alex will make plenty of new friends and discover new hobbies and interests. He can still keep in touch with old friends too. Skype, Viber, Wechat, Line, Whatsapp, Facebook, email, telephone and fax all help reduce the tyranny of distance.
Ok I admit it's a bit radical for people who don't like to broaden their horizons and find comfort doing the same things they've always done. That's why I said you can't be a sheep to pull this off because you'll need to step outside your comfort zone.
Really? You'd leave friends and family just to enjoy a cheap retirement. Skype doesn't allow hugs, does it? Family dinners?
Just because I want to be near my family doesn't mean I'm a sheep or don't want to step outside my comfort zone. Sheesh!