2013 Country Rankings for the Wellbeing of Older People

[RandallMark]

In my research trying to find a place abroad for me and my mother (age 86) to live in retirement, I was pleased to find that Help Age International has just released the most comprehensive study to date on the wellbeing of older people in 91 countries: the Global AgeWatch Index 2013.

Help Age International is a 30-year-old NGO based in London but operating worldwide.

You may download their full 52-page Insight Report on the Index (in several languages) for free at their website:
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You can see just the global rankings table here:
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I realize that this report is not specifically about the quality of life for retired expats in each country, but still, it should give some useful clues. Their methodology is explained, and many detailed findings and analyses are given. Many maps, graphs, and graphics.

Hints: Sweden took first place. The US is 8th. For Latin American countries, Chile is way ahead at 19th, Paraguay lags at 72nd.

[Gordon Barlow]

I have family in Norway (son and granddaughters), so am mildly prejudiced in that country's favour. But having admitted that, I must add that every time I go there I like it more. We (Grandma and I) were there for two weeks in the summer, and never got out of our summer clothes except that we put shoes on at night. We spent two happy days down south somewhere at a swimming park. The cost of living is no higher than it is here on my Caribbean island: indeed, it is much lower for my son, who still retains some of his old hippy ways.

Norway is second to Sweden on the global rankings for old codgers, and I would recommend it strongly. Probably a bit cool in the winter, though...

[RandallMark]

Gordon, your input is always welcome.  Mother and I spent three weeks this summer traveling all over Norway, and absolutely loved it, especially the weather and scenery.

To retire there on a US dollar income would be pushing it expense-wise for us, at least in the places we visited.  I have to employ multiple caregivers for Mother, and other domestic help.

Also, I doubt the winters would be doable for us, not only the cold and snow, but all the overcast and short days.  I have Seasonal Affective Disorder, which means that if I don't see the sun for several days in a row, I become very depressed.

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