If you are thinking of coming to Panama to retire, that is wonderful. Panama is a place that makes retirement fun. There are so many clubs, groups, activities, and other things to do that life will not be dull no matter what your interests. If you are thinking of doing a little work on the side do not. Retirement, jubilado, pensionado status means just that. Retirement status in Panama means you have adequate resources, you are not working to support yourself, and you are not taking a job from a local. If you want to come to Panama to open a business, work for a company or earn income from your labors, you need to apply for a different kind of Visa status and meet those specific requirements.
Keep in mind that even if you can qualify for a work permit and want to come to Panama to work, several other things must be considered. First, some professions including doctors, nurses, journalists, and many others are professions reserved for Panamanians only. Second, salaries are not on a scale with the country you are probably coming from so you will be better off staying where you are to work until you can afford to retire.
