The best and worst countries to grow old in?

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