Why Norway is the best place in the world to grow old
Norway is the best country in which to grow old, according to new research – while Britain does not make it into the top ten. ● It is a country famed for its long dark winter nights and high cost of living – but Norway should also, thanks to a new survey, be recognised as the best place in which to grow old. Its citizens benefit from decades-old policies designed to provide financial security in old age, plus an efficient public transport system, a strong sense of security and a high level of employment among senior citizens. “It’s a combination of good management of natural resources coupled with planning ahead,” said Gustavo Toshiaki, an economist and global ageing specialist based in Norway. “They have identified the issues and are dealing with them.” Research from HelpAge International, released on Wednesday to coincide with the UN International Day of Older Persons, showed that Norway had the highest global level of well-being for people over 60. The London-based charity created its second annual index of 96 countries, and ranked countries on economic security, health, access to public transport and societal inclusion. Sweden, Switzerland, Canada and Germany completed the top five – while Britain was 11th. The UK performed well in the social environment category, being ranked third overall. But it was positioned only 23rd for education and employment – behind Bolivia, Estonia and the Philippines. Britain also performed badly in the health category, placed at 27th – two places behind the US. Japan was the best country for elderly health care, while Costa Rica, Chile, Greece and Colombia also performed better than the UK. Of all the nations in the index, Afghanistan ranked last – and the bottom ten countries were all in Sub-Saharan Africa or the Middle East.