Retirement may be something we can only dream of at this point in our Millennial lives, but there's nothing wrong with planning ahead and being prepared. If you're looking for some great retirement destinations, The Global Age Watch Index for 2015 has just been released, which includes data on the best countries for older adults to live in. If you've been trying to figure out where you want to retire, this ranking might help make up your mind.
The researchers used data from a variety of sources, including the World Health Organization and the world bank. They included 96 countries in their assessment, with four categorical rankings being used to score the nations: Health status, capability, the environment, and older adults' income security — all of which are key factors in determining where the best place to retire might be. Said Ashar Zaidi, professor at the Center for Research on Aging at the University of Southampton in England and developer of the Index, in a statement, "This Index is vital in representing the lives of older people in countries around the world as it enables us to compare not just their pension income and health but also the age-friendly environments in which they live."
So which places are the best of the best to go in your twilight years? Let's take a look at how the top 10 countries scored in the ranking. Head on over to LiveScience to see the ranking of all 96 countries.
1. Switzerland
Switzerland took the number one spot on the Index this year, which the report's authors thought to be because of the nation's many policies and programs that promote older adults' health. Put this destination on your retirement itinerary, ASAP!
2. Norway
Second place went to Norway, which is another country known for its social liberalism and fantastic economic policy.
3. Sweden
Apparently Scandinavia is the place to be if you want to have a healthy and happy life in your old age. Sweden already emphasizes a healthy work/life balance that makes us in the United States look like work horses, so perhaps it's unsurprising that the country scores well for retirees, as well.
4. Germany
Germany came in fourth place on the Index, with their environmentalism helping them to get very close to the top. Environmental activism is huge there; indeed, they are in the midst of implementing their Energy Transformation policy, which will cut greenhouse gas emission by 80 percent by the year 2050. It certainly bodes well for the future!
5. Canada
Oh, Canada! Another ice cold country to rank at the top of the charts. Is it just me or do all of the really cold countries seem to be ranked the most favorably?
6. Netherlands
Like many other countries that scored well, the Netherlands has a standing tradition of excellent social security, which puts the elderly in the country in a good position. If you like very liberal social policy and European culture, the Netherlands is calling your name for retirement.
7. Iceland
Iceland has also been named the second happiest place on Earth, so I'm not surprised to find this country making the top 10 of this Index, either. Also, if you're worried about there being a lot of ice, despite the country being called Iceland, the weather is actually pretty spectacular.
8. Japan
Thanks to Japan having the world's longest life expectancy, the country takes the number eiht spot on the list. Raise your hand if you want to live to see an entire century pass!
9. United States
If you're fond of our nation, you might never have a reason to leave! Ninth place may not be the very top, but it's still not too shabby.
10. The United Kingdom
Our neighbors across the pond ranked 10th on the Global Age Watch Index. Their social welfare policies for older folks may not be as strong these days as they have been historically, but it's still worth a shot. Besides, the tea there is fantastic.
Image: Ward./Flickr
