News Digest

Revealed: The best place in the world to grow old (and the worst)

A global index reflecting economic security, health and other factors — and not deducting for cold winters — ranks Norway and Sweden with the highest level of well-being for older people. Of the 96 nations in the index, Afghanistan ranked last. The Global AgeWatch Index, released on Tuesday, was compiled by HelpAge International, a London-based nonprofit with affiliates in 65 countries. Its mission is to help older people challenge discrimination, overcome poverty and lead secure, active lives. The 13 indicators measured in the index include life expectancy, coverage by pension plans, access to public transit, and the poverty rate for people over 60.

Pensions have the potential to lift millions of older people out of poverty. But they also benefit whole households and contribute to economic growth.

Chris Roles, director of Age International

Switzerland, Canada and Germany joined Norway and Sweden in the top five. The United States was eighth, Japan ninth, China 48th, Russia 65th and India 69th. HelpAge launched the index in 2013. Among the changes for 2014 were the inclusion of five more countries, and Norway replacing Sweden with the highest ranking. According to HelpAge, only half the world’s population can expect to receive even a basic pension in old age. It urged governments to move faster to extend pension coverage as their elderly populations swell. Release of the Index was timed to coincide with the United Nations International Day of Older Persons on Wednesday.