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Rankings of the best and worst countries to grow old, according to the UN-backed Global AgeWatch Index 2013 released on Tuesday, the first survey of its kind to collect global data on the wellbeing of the elderly in a rapidly ageing world.
The index, compiled by the HelpAge International advocacy group and the UN Population Fund, ranks 91 countries by comparing data from the World Health Organisation and other agencies on older people’s incomes, health, education, employment and their environments.
Top 10
1. Sweden
2. Norway
3. Germany
4. Netherlands
5. Canada
6. Switzerland
7. New Zealand
8. USA
9. Iceland
10. Japan
Britain came in at 13, ahead of Australia (14), France (18), Spain (22), and Belgium (24).
Lower down in the rankings were the emerging economies of Brazil (31), China (35), South Africa (65), India (73) and Russia (78).
Bottom 10:
82. Honduras
83. Montenegro
84. West Bank and Gaza
85. Nigeria
86. Malawi
87. Rwanda
88. Jordan
89. Pakistan
90. Tanzania
91. Afghanistan