On the International Day of Older Persons on 1st October 2014, the United Nations International Day of Older Persons, HelpAge International launched the Global AgeWatch Index 2014 ranking 96 countries according to the social and economic wellbeing of older people. This index measures wellbeing in four key areas: income security, health, personal capability and an enabling environment, and makes it possible to compare the quality of life in older age worldwide. It is a tool to measure progress and improve the impact of policy and practice on ageing populations.
This 2014 edition ranks Norway as top places for ageing well, closely followed by Sweden. Most top 10 countries are in Western Europe. It also informs us that economic growth alone will not improve older people’s wellbeing and specific policies need to be put in place to address the implications of ageing.
Read HelpAge International’s press release
Download here the report and summary in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese
