The global population is aging rapidly. Today, there are roughly 868 million people who are at least 60 years old globally, or about 12% of the world’s population. By 2050, more than 2 billion people will be 60 or older, or 21% of the projected global population. In the United States, 27% of all Americans will be at least 60 years old.

HelpAge International’s “Global AgeWatch 2014 Index” ranked the social and economic well-being of older residents in 96 countries. The report rated each country on four broad factors important to an aging population: supporting income security, fostering good health, employment and education, and the overall environment for older residents.. Norway was rated as the best country for older people to live in, bypassing Sweden, last year’s top-rated country. Meanwhile, Afghanistan was rated the worst country for older people for the second consecutive year.

Click here to see the best countries to grow old in

Click here to see the worst countries to grow old in

Generally, wealthy countries are better able to provide for their residents than poor countries. All but one of the top 10 countries had a GDP per capita of at least $30,000. At the other end of the spectrum, just one of the 10 worst-rated countries had a per capita GDP of more than $5,000.

However, Kate Bunting, CEO of HelpAge USA, told 24/7 Wall St. that being a wealthy nation alone is not enough for a country to rate well. “We focus on a multidimensional look at being older,” Bunting said. The ability of older people to continue working and ensuring that they do not feel socially isolated are examples of important factors not necessarily captured by GDP, Bunting added. Despite the challenges of crafting policies to help an older population, “We feel that global aging is really a triumph of development.”

Wide-ranging pension coverage is one factor that can help the elderly population of a country. In many of the 10 highest-rated countries, 100% of the population 65 and over receives a pension. According to HelpAge International, only half of the global population can expect to receive a pension of any kind in old age.

Providing for older residents’ long-term health is also a critical factor in a country’s ranking. In each of the top 10 countries to grow old in, a resident who is 60 years old can expect to live at least another 23 years, on average. However, in all of the worst countries to grow old in, the average life expectancy for a 60 year old resident is less than 20 years, with four of these nations reporting average life expectancies at 60 of just 16 years.

An aging global population creates new challenges — and opportunities — for policy makers. According to Bunting, “We can start thinking about this as an opportunity for us to think globally about the kinds of policies we need in place in order for people … to age comfortably.”

Within the specific context of the United States, which ranked as the eighth best country to grow old in, improving access to health care is an important challenge. Additionally, while the U.S. has a strong social protection system, in the form of Social Security, “there are still challenges with that system,” Bunting said. The poverty rate among the American elderly is also an issue of concern.

To identify the best and worst countries to grow old in, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed HelpAge International’s 2014 Global AgeWatch Index of 96 countries. Each country was graded based on four measures: income security, health status, employment and education, and the overall environment for older residents. All data are for the most recent available period at the time the report was put together. We also reviewed figures from the IMF for population, inflation, debt, and other economic variables.

These are the best (and worst) countries to grow old in.

The Best Countries To Grow Old In

10. New Zealand
> Total population: 4.5 million
> Pct. population aged 60+: 19.7% (41st highest)
> GDP per capita: $25,270 (33rd highest)
> Life expectancy at 60: 25 (tied-2nd highest)

New Zealand was rated as the 10th best country to grow old in by the 2014 HelpAge report. Few nations had better enabling environments for older residents, with more than 73% of the population 55 to 64 years of age employed, among the higher rates worldwide. Further, 95% of residents over 50 years old said they had someone they could count on in an emergency, and 97% were satisfied with the level of personal freedom they had in their lives. Both percentages were higher than in any other country. Elderly New Zealanders were among the healthiest in the world, with a life expectancy of 25 years at age 60, behind only Japan.

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9. Japan
> Total population: 127.1 million
> Pct. population aged 60+: 32.8% (the highest)
> GDP per capita: $30,764 (24th highest)
> Life expectancy at 60: 26 (the highest)

The elderly Japanese population was the healthiest in the world. The life expectancy of an average resident aged 60 was 26 years, and the healthy life expectancy was 20 years, both the highest in the world. As of 2014, 32.8% of Japan’s people are 60 years old or older, the most in the world. This is expected to rise to 42.7% by 2050. An aging population will put an added strain on the Japanese government’s resources. Already, Japan’s gross government debt is expected to total more than 243% of GDP by the end of 2014, the most in the world. Additionally, the country has suffered from years of deflation, which can discourage spending. The government also continues to run sizeable deficits, with much of the government’s spending going to either welfare services for an aging population or debt servicing.

8. United States
> Total population: 318.8 million
> Pct. population aged 60+: 20.1% (36th highest)
> GDP per capita: $44,439 (8th highest)
> Life expectancy at 60: 23 (29th highest)

The United States is home to nearly 65 million people aged 60 and older, less than only China and India. While the United States ranks 22nd worldwide for income security among the elderly, better than most nations, it performed better in some determinants of income security than in others. The U.S. GDP per capita of $44,439 was the eighth highest in the world. However, the poverty rate for residents ages 60 and older was nearly 15%, higher than in many developed nations. Similarly, pension coverage — the percentage of people 65 and older receiving a pension — was relatively low among developed nations, at 92.5%. As the American population continues to age, more government spending will be necessary to support older residents. According to the Congressional Budget Office, spending on Social Security and Medicare is projected to rise from 7.9% of GDP in 2014 to 10.9% of GDP by 2039.

7. Iceland
> Total population: 323,000
> Pct. population aged 60+: 18.3% (50th highest)
> GDP per capita: $33,530 (19th highest)
> Life expectancy at 60: 25 (tied 2nd highest)

Iceland is one of the best countries in the world for income security among elderly residents. All Iceland residents over 65 years old received a pension, tied for the highest rate in the world, while the poverty rate for elderly Icelanders is just 1.6%, the second lowest in the world. Icelanders are also quite healthy, with the average life expectancy for a 60 year old tied for second highest globally, at 25 years. Iceland also provides older residents with personal freedom, with 95% of people over 50 stating they felt satisfied with the freedom of choice in their lives. However, the elderly account for a relatively small 18.3% of the Nordic nation’s population, with just 61,000 residents over 60 years old.

6. Netherlands
> Total population: 16.8 million
> Pct. population aged 60+: 23.8% (20th highest)
> GDP per capita: $37,063 (11th highest)
> Life expectancy at 60: 24 (tied-13th highest)

The Netherlands is one of the best countries in the world for income security among the elderly. All residents of the country over 65 years old received a pension, tied for the highest rate in the world, while just 3.1% of the country’s population over 60 years old lived in poverty, the seventh lowest rate nationwide. This year, 24% of the population will be at least 60 years old, but by 2050 this figure will rise to nearly a third of the population. General government debt in the Netherlands is projected to total 75% of GDP by the end of 2014, fairly low for a eurozone country. And while household debt is a major issue for younger residents of the Netherlands, according to the IMF, older residents benefit from large pensions and little mortgage debt.

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5. Germany
> Total population: 80.9 million
> Pct. population aged 60+: 27.5% (2nd highest)
> GDP per capita: $34,620 (18th highest)
> Life expectancy at 60: 24 (tied-13th highest)

Germany currently has the second highest proportion of residents aged 60 and older, at 27.5% of the population, trailing only Japan. By 2040, this figure will rise to nearly 40% of the population. Germany’s population has grown little in recent years, with German Federal Statistical Office data indicating that immigration has offset the decline in the population of native Germans. Still, with 100% pension coverage for seniors, and a GDP per capita $34,620, among the better figures in the world, few nations few nations provide better income security in old age thanGermany. Additionally, Germans over 60 years old are generally well-educated and can expect to live quite long, making Germany one of the best nations to grow old in.

4. Canada
> Total population: 35.5 million
> Pct. population aged 60+: 21.7% (29th highest)
> GDP per capita: $35,739 (15th highest)
> Life expectancy at 60: 25 (tied 2nd highest)

Few countries provided better health care for the elderly than Canada. A 60 year old Canadian could expect to live 25 years, 18.3 of which will be in good health, both among the highest figures in the world. Residents over 50 were also just as likely as younger adults to feel their life was meaningful — an important indicator of mental well-being and a measure in which most countries performed far worse than Canada. Each province and territory in the country provided its residents with insurance for medically necessary care, although many Canadians also had private supplementary coverage.

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3. Switzerland
> Total population: 8.1 million
> Pct. population aged 60+: 23.6% (21st highest)
> GDP per capita: $39,301 (10th highest)
> Life expectancy at 60: 25 (tied 2nd highest)

No country generated a better enabling environment for older residents than Switzerland. The vast majority of Swiss residents over 50 surveyed said they had someone to count on in an emergency, had personal freedom in their lives, and were satisfied with public transit where they lived. Elderly residents in Switzerland were also among the healthiest in the world. A 60 year old Swiss resident could expect to live 19 more years in good health, more than almost any other nation. With a GDP per capita of $39,301, Switzerland is one of the world’s wealthier countries. All residents 65 and older also received a pension. Despite these facts, 17.6% of Swiss people 60 and older lived in poverty, a relatively high rate.

2. Sweden
> Total population: 9.7 million
> Pct. population aged 60+: 25.6% (7th highest)
> GDP per capita: $34,862 (17th highest)
> Life expectancy at 60: 24 (tied-13th highest)

More than one quarter of Swedes are at least 60 years old, one of the highest proportions in the world. And while this figure is expected rise to 28.5% by 2050, this represents a far-slower growth in the elderly population than in many countries. Older Swedes are more likely than their counterparts in most countries to have income security, as 100% of the population 65 and older received a pension, and just 5% of residents 60 and older lived below the poverty line, one of the lowest rates in the world. Further, older Swedes were among the most likely people in the world to be capable of working at an advanced age. They were also among the most likely to state that they lived in an enabling environment.

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1. Norway
> Total population: 5.1 million
> Pct. population aged 60+: 21.8% (27th highest)
> GDP per capita: $46,733 (5th highest)
> Life expectancy at 60: 24 (tied-13th highest)

Norway is the best country in the world to grow old in, according to HelpAge. Older Norwegians had better income security than their counterparts anywhere else in the world, with a universal pension and GDP per capita of $46,733, fifth highest among countries reviewed. Just 1.8% of people over 60 lived below the poverty line, one of the lowest rates worldwide. Additionally, over 99% of residents 60 and over had completed at least a secondary education, the highest rate in the world. Further, nearly 96% of residents over 50 said they were happy with the level of personal freedom in their lives, the second highest percentage in the world.

Click here to see the worst countries to grow old in

The Worst Countries To Grow Old In

10. Iraq
> Total population: 35.9 million
> Pct. population aged 60+: 5.1% (43rd lowest)
> GDP per capita: $3,462 (57th lowest)
> Life expectancy at 60: 18 (tied-63rd lowest)

This year, Iraq is the 10th worst country to grow old. Only a few countries were worse at enabling older Iraqis to live free, safe, and satisfying lives. For example, less than a third of country residents over 50 were satisfied with the freedom of choice in their lives, the worst rate among countries reviewed. And just half felt safe walking alone at night. Like many countries where growing old is relatively difficult, Iraq provides no social pension. In addition to relatively low life expectancies for older residents, decades of war have likely hindered both the government and communities from supporting older Iraqis. Between Iraq’s war with Iran in the 1980s, two military campaigns conducted by the United States, and the recent rise of extremist groups, the nation’s economy and infrastructure have struggled to stabilize.

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9. Zambia
> Total population: 15.0 million
> Pct. population aged 60+: 3.8% (9th lowest)
> GDP per capita: $1,419 (25th lowest)
> Life expectancy at 60: 17 (tied-36th lowest)

As might be expected in the worst countries to grow old, there are relatively few elderly residents in Zambia. Less than 4% of the country’s population was over 60 years old as of 2014, among the lowest shares. Elderly Zambians struggled with high poverty rates, poor health, and lack of personal security. Nearly 23% of residents over 60 lived in poverty, one of the worst rates. Residents over 60 years old could expect only 12.2 years of relatively good health, among the lower healthy life expectancies worldwide. Just over a third of Zambian residents over 50 felt safe walking home at night, also among the lowest proportions.

8. Uganda
> Total population: 38.0 million
> Pct. population aged 60+: 3.7% (4th lowest)
> GDP per capita: $1,165 (19th lowest)
> Life expectancy at 60: 16 (tied-11th lowest)

Like several of the worst countries to grow old, Uganda had an exceptionally high employment rate among older Ugandans. Nearly 89% of Ugandans between 55 and 64 were employed, more than in all but a handful of other countries. While jobs seem to be readily available, many elderly Uganda residents were poorly educated and under considerable financial strain. Less than 7% of people over 60 had at least a secondary education, one of the lower rates. And nearly 21% of residents at least 60 years old lived in poverty, among the world’s higher rates. Uganda’s GDP per capita of less than $1,200 was one of the lowest among all countries reviewed.

7. Jordan
> Total population: 6.7 million
> Pct. population aged 60+: 5.4% (51st lowest)
> GDP per capita: $5,267 (75th lowest)
> Life expectancy at 60: 19 (tied-82nd lowest)

Most older Jordanians either have strong family ties or find financial help from the government. Seventy-two percent of people over 50 said they could rely on at least one person if they were in trouble. And more than 42% of 65 and older residents received a pension, one of the better rates compared to other countries on this list. Despite these strengths, the vast majority of Jordan’s older population was financially dependent on others. Just 22.1% of 55-64 year-olds were employed, lower than in most countries. Also, just 21% of the population over 60 had at least a secondary education, far worse than in many nations. Overall, Jordan received one of the worst scores for enabling residents to live capably on their own.

6. Pakistan 
> Total population: 186.3 million
> Pct. population aged 60+: 6.5% (66th lowest)
> GDP per capita: $2,348 (45th lowest)
> Life expectancy at 60: 17 (tied-36th lowest)

Like several of the worst countries to grow old, Pakistan is part of a politically unstable region. In addition, the capital has been the site of ongoing protests in recent years, and the country struggles to control regular flooding disasters. Despite the turmoil, older Pakistanis enjoy one of the lowest poverty rates in the world, with just 1.8% of residents over 60 living in poverty. Many older Pakistani residents do not feel socially connected, however, as just 60% of people over 50 said they someone they could count on when in trouble. And a minority of majority of older residents did not feel independent or satisfied with their freedom of choice.

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5. The United Republic of Tanzania
> Total population: 47.7 million
> Pct. population aged 60+: 4.9% (36th lowest)
> GDP per capita: $1,331 (24th lowest)
> Life expectancy at 60: 18 (tied-63th lowest)

While nearly 93% of 55-64 year old Tanzanian residents were employed — the second highest rate worldwide– many of these jobs were likely low-skilled. Just 3.1% of country residents over 60 had completed at least a secondary education, one of the lowest attainment rates in the world. Further, less than 40% of residents over 50 were satisfied with the country’s public transportation options, worse than in the vast majority of nations worldwides. Like many countries in the region, Tanzania is quite poor, with a GDP per capita of just $1,331, one of the lowest in the world. Despite poor economic output, Tanzania has managed to avoid violent internal turmoil that is often common in African and Middle-Eastern nations.

4. Malawi
> Total population: 17.6 million
> Pct. population aged 60+: 4.9% (35th lowest)
> GDP per capita: $667 (6th lowest)
> Life expectancy at 60: 16 (tied-11th lowest)

Malawi is exceptionally poor, with an economic output of just $667 per capita. The U.S., by contrast had a GDP of nearly $45,000 per capita. Nearly all of Malawi’s 55-64 year old population worked, with an employment rate of 96.6%, by far the highest among countries reviewed. Yet, like in several other nations in the region, elderly residents are poorly educated. Just 4.5% of people over 60 had completed at least a secondary education, much less than in most countries. While the high employment rate may help some older residents feel independent, less than half of people over 50 said they had someone they could count on when in trouble, one of the worst measures of social connectivity. Nearly 18% of Malawi residents over 60 also lived in poverty, one of the higher rates worldwide.

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3. West Bank and Gaza
> Total population: N/A
> Pct. population aged 60+: 4.6% (28th lowest)
> GDP per capita: $2,465 (48th lowest)
> Life expectancy at 60: 18 (tied-63rd lowest)

The West Bank and Gaza, separated by miles of Israeli territory, are nearly the worst regions in which to grow old. Palestinians and Israelis have been in a nearly continuous conflict, and tensions may worsen as Hamas recently renewed its political presence in the West Bank. While nearly three-quarters of people over 50 felt safe walking home and approved of the public transport system — both among the higher rates reviewed — just 30% of residents aged 55 to 64 had a job, nearly the lowest rate. Poor employment and political turmoil may have also contributed to only 41% of Palestinians over 50 feeling freedom in their lives, one of the lower rates among countries reviewed.

2. Mozambique 
> Total population: 26.5 million
> Pct. population aged 60+: 5.1% (40th lowest)
> GDP per capita: $842 (8th lowest)
> Life expectancy at 60: 16 (tied-11th lowest)

Located on the Indian Ocean in southeastern Africa, Mozambique has struggled with a long history of colonialism and civil war. While the country has stabilized considerably since its independence in 1992, Mozambique is still quite poor. The nation’s GDP per capita was just $842 last year, among the lowest economic outputs worldwide. The country’s weak economy is likely having some effect on the well-being of elderly residents, as nearly 20% of people over 60 lived in poverty, considerably higher than in most other countries. Less than a third of Mozambique residents over 50-years old felt safe walking home at night, nearly the worst rate.

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1. Afghanistan
> Total population: 31.3 million
> Pct. population aged 60+: 3.9% (11th lowest)
> GDP per capita: $1,225 (8th lowest)
> Life expectancy at 60: 16 (tied-11th lowest)

Afghanistan is the worst country for the elderly. At 60 years old, Afghan residents could expect only 9.2 years of good health — one of the only nations in the world where healthy life expectancy at 60 was less than a decade. While older Afghans were more likely to work than older residents in other countries, people over 60 were very poorly educated. Just 5.2% had completed at least a secondary education, among the lowest rates worldwide. While the U.S. and its allies have considerably reduced its military presence in the country, Afghanistan has been the site of conflict for decades. The withdrawal of the U.S. from the country could also further imperil the nation’s political and economic stability.

Click here to see the best countries to grow old in

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