Philippines ranks 44th out of 91 surveyed nations
GENEVA – 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 Organization 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) and France (18).
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
Literally midway between the best and the worst is the Philippines, which was ranked 44th out of the 91 surveyed countries. In Southeast Asia, the Philippines ranked just behind Thailand (42) and ahead of Vietnam (53), Indonesia (71), and Cambodia (80) – although Malaysia and Singapore were notably absent from the list, with Global AgeWatch citing insufficient data.
Global AgeWatch had this to say about growing old in the Philippines:
“While older people still face challenges in achieving income security and health status, the government is taking positive action, such as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. A targeted old age allowance is still too limited to make any difference.
“There are also policies and programmes that recognise older people’s contribution, provide entitlements to access social services, promote their full employment and maximise opportunities for their participation in national development. The government also recognises the need to address older people’s specific needs in terms of healthcare, housing and income security.” –Agence France-Presse
June 2025
Philippine Environment Month!
“Action for Nature, for the Future!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations
against serious violations of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideosturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
1 Jun – World Day of Parents
5 Jun – World Environment Day
7 Jun – World Food Safety Day
8 Jun – World Oceans Day
12 Jun – World Day Against Child Labour
15 Jun – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
16 Jun – International Day of Family Remittances
17 Jun – World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
20 Jun – World Refugee Day
25 Jun – Day of the Seafarer
27 Jun – Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day
Daily Observances:
June 6: Migrant Workers Day
June 19: Filipino Youth Day
June 25: Day of the Filipino Seafarer
