According to the Global Age Watch Index by Britain’s University of Southampton and Help Age International, India is among the worst places in the world for old people.
India ranked 71 among 96 countries in the list. India’s place in the list is much lower than most of its South-East Asian neighbours.
What is the situation for elderly in India?
- India scored lowest in healthcare for it’s elderly people.
- An average 60-year-old person in India is expected to live only 12.6 years in good health.
- Almost half of the elderly people in India don’t have relatives to count on.
- Two in five elderly in India don’t feel safe walking alone at night.
- One in three elderly in India is not satisfied with the freedom of choice in their life.
- 30% elderly are not happy with transportation system.
Switzerland: the best place for older people
The index found Switzerland the best place for older people to live, followed by Norway and Sweden.
Reason behind India’s Low Rank
Lack of Health Care
India’s low ranking is mainly due to health status of older population.
Lack of Income Security
The income security of the elderly is also a concern. For example, the pension coverage for Indian elderly is very low (28.9%) as opposed to China’s 74.4%.
Top 10 Best Countries to Grow Old
| Rank | Country |
| 1 | Switzerland |
| 2 | Norway |
| 3 | Sweden |
| 4 | Germany |
| 5 | Canada |
| 6 | Netherlands |
| 7 | Iceland |
| 8 | Japan |
| 9 | United States |
| 10 | United Kingdom |
