New Zealand is the 10th best country in the world to grow old in, ranking above both Australia and the UK as part of an international assessment of how the elderly are faring globally.
The Global AgeWatch Index 2014, carried out by researchers at HelpAge International and the University of Southampton, ranks 96 countries according to the social and economic wellbeing of older people, representing over 90 per cent of peopled aged 60+ across the world.
The report shows that income, health, personal capabilities and an enabling social environment are all important factors of wellbeing in senior citizens – which can help governments identify policies and institutional contexts that lead to better lives for older people.
In addition, the report reveals that the number of over 60s will rise from 12 per cent of the global population in 2014 to over 20 per cent by 2050, suggesting that supporting ageing populations will become an even bigger priority in the future.
The findings have been widely covered in New Zealand and global media:
New Zealand Herald: The best country to grow old – how we rank
The Flea 88.2fm: New Zealand 10th best country to grow old in
TVNZ: New Zealand ’10th best country to grow old in’
MSN NZ: Being old better in NZ than Aust: study
Newstalk ZB: New Zealand ranked 10th for elderly wellbeing
International Business Times AU: New Zealand Named 10th Best Country in the World for Senior Citizens
New Zealand Herald: Index ranks Norway tops for well-being of elderly