The top 10 best and worst countries in the world to grow old in

According to Global AgeWatch Index of 96 countries, Norway is the best country to grow old in while Afghanistan is the worst.

16:25 02 October 2014

Norway has emerged to be the best country to grow old in, according to a global index ranking the quality of life for the elderly. It is followed by Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and Germany. Britain, on the other hand, came 11th in the Global AgeWatch Index of 96 countries. 

 

Norway was chosen for the government’s oil-funded pension scheme, over-60s employment, good health system, and political representation with the National Council for Senior Citizens. 

 

The UK, which was got a high score on both income security and for having an “enabling environment” was criticised for its health care. 

 

“The positive result for income is not matched in health,” the report said.

 

“The need to re-focus health and care systems to better meet the requirements of an ageing population has been recognised but the process of transformation is likely to take some time and has only just begun.”

 

The Top 10 Countries for Over-60s

 

1. Norway
2. Sweden 
3. Switzerland 
4. Canada 
5. Germany
6. Netherlands 
7. Iceland
8. United States 
9. Japan 
10. New Zealand

 

The Worst 10 Countries for Over-60s

 

1. Afghanistan
2. Mozambique
3. West Bank and Gaza 
4. Malawi
5. Tanzania 
6. Pakistan
7. Jordan
8. Uganda
9. Zambia
10. Iraq