By the year 2050, for the first time in history, adults over the age of 60 will outnumber children under the age of 15.
That’s a big message driving the Global AgeWatch Index 2013, the first ever comprehensive study to measure quality of life and wellbeing among older people in 91 countries worldwide, based on a study by HelpAge International and the UN. The study’s motive: To raise awareness and sound an alarm about what’s coming. As the global population ages and traditional family structures break down, HelpAge says, countries will be increasingly unable to care for their oldest citizens.
According to the study, only one in five older people worldwide has a pension, and fewer have health care.
And right now, nobody’s paying attention.
“We need new solutions that work from cradle to the grave. Just as the 20th century saw changes in education, the workplace and social security systems to help children, now must be the time to make radical changes to accommodate the rising numbers of older people.”
Where Do We Rank?
So, how does the US rank, and which countries are doing the best job?
Here are some highlights (click here to visit the AgeWatch Index site).
- Ranking in the top 5 are Northern Europe – Sweden, Norway, Germany, Netherlands; and North America – Canada, to be precise. Rankings are based on income security, health status, employment and education, and enabling environment. You can see complete ranking by clicking here.
- How did Sweden make it into the first spot? Global AgeWatch’s “Insights” points to the country’s pension system, which came into effect 100 years ago. “Successful welfare policies of the 1900s have supported the historically unique situation where the number of people living beyond the age of 100 has surpassed the number of deaths in young children.” In fact, the swedish government is now warning citizens that it might raise the retirement age; people should be prepared to work to age 75 and switch careers in the middle of their working lives so that everyone can continue to receive such great benefits.
- The US ranked number 8, after New Zealand, with our lowest score being for health status. The US score for psychological/mental well-being is high, at 97.9 percent; that’s the percentage of people over 50 who feel their life has meaning compared with people aged 35-49 who feel the same. You can see a detailed report card for the US by clicking here.
- Money isn’t everything. One very poor country, Bolivia, ranks at number 46 – above Greece and several other more developed countries. Why? According to Global AgeWatch, “Bolivia has a progressive policy environment for older people, thanks to pressure from older people and forward-thinking policy makers.” A few years ago, Bolivia instituted a National Plan on Aging, which provides free healthcare for older people and a non-contributory universal pension.
- Ranking at number 91 is Afghanistan, where only people in government receive a pension. Life expectancy there is 59 years for men and 61 for women.
This HelpAge International slideshow tells more of the story:
Also see “Global Aging: A Story in Pictures,” a series of AP portraits of older people around the world.
COMMENTS
One response to “91 Countries Measure Up on Aging: How Do We Rank?”
I’m sure Sweden’s government doesn’t steal from the retirement funds as the U.S. Congress does, to the tune of $$$ Trillions. Social Security would be solvent if it were to be paid back.
Sign Up for Newsletters
There’s always a lot going on in the Senior Planet universe. Get our newsletters to make sure you never miss a thing!
Sign Up Now
Join Senior Planet Community
Senior Planet Community is our social media platform designed specifically for older adult users. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, make new friends, and share resources all on a safe and ad-free platform.
Join the Conversation Today
Upcoming Online Classes
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
Discover Live: Galway, Ireland
Discover Live: Galway, Ireland
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Galway, Ireland!
Songwriting Night
Songwriting Night
Join Senior Planet and singer/songwriter Maggie Rothwell to discuss the art of songwriting.
0 events,
5
0 events,
6
0 events,
7
0 events,
8
12 events,
9
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Affordable Home Internet
Affordable Home Internet
This lecture goes over basic information you need to know when signing up for home internet service.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
15 events,
10
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
#AgeFriendly
#AgeFriendly
In this lecture, you’ll learn about the World Health Organization's eight elements of an age-friendly city and what makes a business age friendly.
11 events,
11
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Social Media
Introduction to Social Media
Learn about some of the more popular social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
防毒和惡意軟體移除程式概覽
防毒和惡意軟體移除程式概覽
擔心病毒和惡意軟體嗎?參加這門講座,了解如何保護您的裝置安全!
15 events,
12
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Understanding Bluetooth
Understanding Bluetooth
We’ll explain Bluetooth technology, how it works, and the way it impacts everyday life.
7 events,
13
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to TikTok
Introduction to TikTok
This presentation will introduce you to TikTok, its rise to global popularity, and most common features, including privacy settings.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class
0 events,
14
0 events,
15
12 events,
16
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Learn about tools to help you be a part of the movement and support racial justice!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
15 events,
17
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Sleep Technologies
Introduction to Sleep Technologies
Learn about devices and apps that can help you get more Zzz's
12 events,
18
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Money Matters
Money Matters
This lecture introduces online banking and goes over how to keep your financial information safe.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
14 events,
19
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Don't worry about formatting your resume. Let the templates do the work for you!
9 events,
20
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Travel Sites
Online Travel Sites
Learn the basics of using online travel sites to find the best fares and rates for just about any destination.
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
*REGISTRATION REQUIRED*
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
0 events,
21
0 events,
22
13 events,
23
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
16 events,
24
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
This presentation will cover the ins and outs of how to protect your personal information online.
12 events,
25
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Startup!
Startup!
This lecture gives an overview of some important digital tools to help you get your online business up and running.
線上購物
線上購物
本講座將提供有關使用流行網站 Amazon.com 在線購買從洗碗精到日用雜貨等所有商品的一般介紹。
15 events,
26
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Nextdoor
Introduction to Nextdoor
This presentation will introduce you to the most common uses for the Nextdoor app and its main features, along with some best practices for using it safely.
8 events,
27
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
eBay & PayPal
eBay & PayPal
This lecture provides an overview of the popular auction website eBay and the pioneer online payment service PayPal.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
0 events,
28
0 events,
29
13 events,
30
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
13 events,
31
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
In this lecture you’ll learn about popular smartphones on the market and some of their pros and cons.
11 events,
1
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
語音助理
語音助理
快來了解 Alexa、Siri 和其他語音助理可以為您做什麼!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
15 events,
2
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Mindfulness Apps
Mindfulness Apps
This lecture introduces mindfulness and its physical and mental benefits, such as reducing anxiety, improving memory, and lowering blood pressure.
7 events,
3
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Learn how online tools can help you stay informed and get your voice heard.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
0 events,
4
Discover Live: Galway, Ireland
Songwriting Night
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Galway, Ireland
Songwriting Night
Morning Stretch
Affordable Home Internet
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
#AgeFriendly
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Social Media
防毒和惡意軟體移除程式概覽
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Understanding Bluetooth
Morning Stretch
Introduction to TikTok
Tai Chi
Morning Stretch
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Sleep Technologies
Morning Stretch
Money Matters
Fit Fusion Workout
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Morning Stretch
Online Travel Sites
Mobile Health Apps
Morning Stretch
Intro to Translation Tools
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Morning Stretch
Startup!
線上購物
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Nextdoor
Morning Stretch
eBay & PayPal
Tai Chi
Morning Stretch
Mobile Health Apps
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Smartphones at a Glance
Morning Stretch
語音助理
Fit Fusion Workout
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Mindfulness Apps
Morning Stretch
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Tai Chi
Recent Articles
Recent Comments