The seven best countries for retirees. Best countries for retirees
Looking at married couples of elderly Europeans or elderly people from other foreign countries, I wondered if our Russian pensioners could afford to live in a better country? Therefore, today we will consider several ratings of the best countries for pensioners at once, that is, in which pensioners live the most economically and well.
How can a pensioner move to live in a warm country?
In terms of dollars, the average size of payments to our retiree is from $ 200 to $ 400. It is impossible to live on that kind of money in any country in Europe or America.But, enterprising townspeople who want to spend their old age in some oceanic country, you can still find a way out. For example, renting out real estate in Moscow or even Novosibirsk, and receiving a pension of $ 300, it is quite possible to rent affordable housing and find much more comfortable living conditions for a pensioner in a warm exotic country, and not in Novosibirsk, for example.
Two of them were carried out by the world famous magazines “International living” and “Forbes”, and the third tells about the countries of Europe, which have the most favorable conditions for living in retirement.
TOP of the best countries for retirement, according to Forbes magazine
For twenty years, the American magazine Forbes has compiled a rating of the best countries to live in retirement every year - “Retirement Heaven”. This country ranking is based on the following categories:
- provision of a retirement visa;
-climatic conditions;
-cost of living;
- medical services for pensioners;
- infrastructure;
- real estate prices.
According to Forbes experts, these are the countries in which it is most comfortable to live in retirement:- Austria
- Thailand
- Italy
- Panama
- Ireland
- Australia
- France
- Malaysia
- Spain
- Canada
Is there an ideal country for a senior citizen?
As we say in our country: “It's good where we are not,” therefore it is difficult for a pensioner to find an ideal place for a quiet life. One country has harsh climatic conditions, like in Canada, and in another, for example, like in Italy, excellent climatic conditions and a high quality of life, but high taxes and bureaucracy.
Those who like to soak up the warm beaches are best off heading to Panama or Malaysia. Pensioners with modest incomes are offered to consider options for living in villages or leave for Thailand. For several years this state occupied the palm in the rating of the Forbes magazine.
It was only in 2014 that it lost the first position due to the political situation, and therefore in the next part of the article we will consider separately the benefits of living for retirees in Thailand, but for now we will continue our rating.
Which country has the most comfortable retirement life?
According to the bank "Natixis", the countries of Western Europe have the most comfortable retirement life.
The experts who conducted the study concluded that retirement is better met in Europe than in America. After all, the data on medical care, financial security, quality of life and material well-being for European retirees is much higher.
The best country in Europe to spend your old age
According to the survey, the most worthy country in Europe for retirees and place. where old age can best be spent, Norway is recognized.
This state is followed by Switzerland and Luxembourg. Ireland is on the 17th line. For the first time, Estonia entered the top twenty best countries for retirement. In terms of living comfort for pensioners, Russia over the past year was able to rise by 18 points from 78th to 65th place.
Rating of the best countries for retirees
The assessment of the comfort of countries and retirement was taken into account according to the following parameters: health care, finance and quality of life. The results were summed up on a 10-point scale. Norway's scores were the highest: 8.5 / 7.9 / 8.7.
The financial condition in Norway is higher than in Switzerland, known throughout the world for its banks. At the same time, the quality of life in this state took the first position in the world: 8.4 / 8.3 / 9.2. And this fact must be taken into account by elderly people.
The country with ideal living conditions for pensioners is named, Luxmburg: 8.5 / 8.0 / 7.8. In this state, comfortable conditions have been created not only for business, but also for life.
Sweden is on the fourth line in the study. In this state, there are high rates in medicine, which is important for elderly people to know. These data are: 8.3 / 7.4 / 8.5
You can safely go to enjoy the mountain landscapes in Austria. The mountain air is good for the elderly and the conditions in this country are acceptable, in the ranking Austria is in the fifth line: 9.0 / 6.5 / 8.3.
Finland has a high standard of living. This country is rightfully ranked sixth in the ranking with indicators: 8.2 / 7.8 / 7.8.
Where to spend your old age in comfort?
Holland ranks seventh on the list. And although there are many young people living in this state, pensioners will also live comfortably in Holland. Excellent climatic conditions and walks in national parks will benefit the elderly. Holland scores: 8.5 / 6.5 / 8.2.
Denmark is a great place to live for people who are fond of sports. In this state, the bicycle is popular like nowhere else in Europe. Cycling can be a good health promotion for anyone, especially retirees. And the main indicators in the ranking of Denmark were at their best: 8.3 / 6.5 / 8.3 and brought it eighth place.
According to experts, Germany is in ninth place with indicators of 8.8 / 6.4 / 8.0. Life expectancy in this state is one of the highest in Europe.
France is in tenth position. This state has the best healthcare system in the world. France scores: 8.8 / 6.5 / 8.2.
Ranking of the best countries for retirement
In conclusion, we suggest you evaluate the ranking of the best countries for 2014, where retirement is the most favorable. The study was prepared by the journal International living.The comfort of living for retirement for the elderly was assessed according to the following criteria:
How to choose a place to live in retirement?
- The ability to quickly and easily purchase real estate. It also estimated the cost of renting housing and the projected benefits from transactions for the acquisition, lease and sale of real estate.
- Benefits and Benefits. This criterion took into account the legislative framework of the state, which allows foreigners to move faster, benefits and discounts on health care, transport, taxes and utilities.
- Daily cost of living. These indicators included the prices of food, travel on public transport, the cost of tickets to cinema and theaters, etc.
- Adaptation to a new place of residence. This criterion shows how friendly the population of the state is to emigrants. Is knowledge of the national language required. Do the inhabitants of this state speak English?
- The following criteria for the best countries and places to live in retirement took into account the quality and price of medical services. State contributions to health care, as well as the number of beds in hospitals per 1000 people. Availability of clean drinking water in abundance and life expectancy of the adult population of the state, as well as infant mortality.
- Infrastructure for retirees. Telephone, internet, good roads, regular public transport and the ability to quickly call an ambulance.
- Climatic conditions. Changes in day and night temperatures, the number of sunny days per year. As well as the possible risk of natural disasters.
The top five countries to live in include: Panama, Ecuador, Malaysia, Costa Rica, Mexico.
Panama
In this country, optimal conditions have been created for emigrants. You can quickly and easily apply for a visa for retirees. For those who are retired, there is a system of discounts in various areas from medical care to entertainment.
And besides all this, Panama is a country with access to two oceans, the Pacific and the Atlantic. In addition, the possibility of natural disasters in this region is unlikely. And for seven years in a row, this state has been occupying the first positions in the ranking of countries in which it is best to live in old age.
Ecuador
A welcoming population, a warm climate with the ability to live on $ 1500 - $ 1800 per month. Renting a house in this country costs from $ 300 to $ 600 per month, including furniture.
Moderate utility costs of up to $ 30 per month and excellent service in healthcare facilities will allow retirees to live in this country, spending a minimum of money.And if your age is over 65, you get benefits, and every month you get up to $ 250 VAT (value added tax) refunded on purchases.
In addition to the advantages of this country, there is a warm equatorial climate with moderate humidity.
The developed infrastructure, both in cities and in the countryside, as well as the landscape diversity from the mountain peaks of the Andes to the Amazon basin with beautiful forests and coastline attracts lovers not only to admire the beauty of nature, but also to settle for a long time.
Malaysia
This Asian country attracts many with its warm climate, throughout the year the average temperature does not rise above 28 degrees. Retirement couples can afford $ 1000- $ 1,700 per month, which can be apartments with stunning ocean views.
Excellent medical care without queues and pre-registrations for only $ 11. Development of infrastructure, programs are working that allow expatriates to import a personal car and furniture into the country without duties, as well as providing the opportunity to live in Malaysia with a friendly visit for 10 years.
Pensioners need a fixed deposit of $ 46,707. Half of the amount can be used to buy real estate or medical care.
By the way, it is easier for a foreigner to buy real estate in Malaysia than in any other Asian country. You need to buy "freehold". And you can safely purchase housing, in any quantity, there are no restrictions.You can even open your own business in this excellent state for retirees without any problems. The local population shows respect for the elderly, so the life of retirees in Malaysia will be enjoyable.
Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, the procedure for obtaining legal resident status is simple. Under the existing pensioner scheme, the pensionados one of the spouses must prove that they have income of $ 1000 or more per month.
This ward must be from social security or disability benefits. After completing the paperwork, you can bring your life partner as a dependent.
The health care system known as "Caja" is that after paying, depending on income from $ 50 to $ 150 per month, which is the amount usually paid by expatriates, you can visit a doctor for free, get tested, get prescriptions and even do major operation.
A family of two per month can live from 1,700 to $ 2,000, including housing and transportation costs.
Mexico
There is an Orthodox community in Mexico, numbering about 100 thousand people. Therefore, it will be easy for emigrants from Russia to adapt to local life.A pensioner will need to apply for a visa to come to this state, and its duration can be up to 180 days. After the expiration of the term, the visa must be threaded. Rentals in Mexico cost from $ 800 per month for a small house to $ 1,500 for an apartment.
After obtaining a residence permit, an expat can purchase health insurance for $ 300 per year. You then gain access to the national health and medical care system.
That's all for today, I hope that this overview of the best countries for retirees will help you decide on the choice of a more comfortable country than your own, in which you want to live in retirement. And I hope you can enjoy the longest possible life in a comfortable environment, which is what I wish you.
Moscow, July 20 - "Vesti.Ekonomika". The French financial corporation Natixis Global Asset Management has compiled a rating of the most comfortable countries for residents of retirement age.
The organization uses data from the World Bank and national statistical offices to calculate the 2017 Global Pension Index.
The final score depends on four sub-indices that reflect the level of health care, pension finance, quality of life and material well-being.
Russia took 40th place out of 43 possible in the ranking.
Over the year, Russia's place in the ranking has not changed, but the overall score has dropped from 46% to 45%. Analysts point out the deterioration of such indicators as material well-being (35th place in the corresponding top) and healthcare (42nd place).
On indicators such as income equality and per capita income, Russia ranked 5th and 7th from the bottom, according to the report. At the same time, in the employment sub-rating, the country fell by 5 points and was in 17th place.
As for healthcare, Russia ranked second to last in the ranking in terms of life expectancy, and this indicator has deteriorated for the second year in a row.
Only the 4th place from the bottom went to the country in terms of the scale of expenditures on health insurance, and health care expenditures in per capita terms were in the top ten of the list, in 8th place from the bottom.
Below are the top 10 best countries for retirees.
1. Norway
Overall score in 2016: 86%
In terms of healthcare, Norway scored 89%, in terms of finances - 73%, in terms of material well-being - 91%.
For the second year in a row, Norway has been the leader in the ranking of the best countries for retirees. In the health care sub-rating, it takes 3rd place, in terms of quality of life - 3rd place, in terms of finances - 9th place.
It is noted that the country has a very high tax pressure, which reduces the country's position in the field of finance.
There has been an improvement in the quality of life compared to last year.
In particular, it has the highest level of happiness among pensioners.
2. Switzerland
Overall score in 2016: 84%
This country took 2nd place this year. Like Norway, it is in the top 10 in all sub-indices.
Improvements are noted in terms of the level of material well-being of pensioners.
In terms of indicators such as per capita income and employment, the country is in the top 10. And the income equality indicator has increased compared to last year.
Improvements are also noted in terms of the level of emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere, and the country ranks 4th in terms of happiness among pensioners.
3. Iceland
Overall score in 2016: 80%
In terms of material well-being, the country ranks 2nd, in terms of finances - 13th, and in terms of quality of life - 7th.
In the sub-index "finances", the country has risen by seven lines in comparison with the previous year.
The banking reform of 2015 had a favorable effect on the management of the crisis in the country, the compilers of the rating note.
Despite the fact that the level of tax pressure on the population in Iceland is one of the highest among the countries that participated in the study, the country's government managed to reduce the debt over the past year.
It is noted that Iceland is one of the highest in terms of income equality.
4. Sweden
Overall score in 2016: 79%
In terms of health care, Sweden took 4th place, in terms of quality of life - 5th place, in material well-being - 9th place.
The sub-index "finances" was the only one for Sweden, according to which it was not included in the top ten.
Sweden has demonstrated major successes in the area of health care.
Per capita spending on health care increased, as did health insurance.
5. New Zealand
Overall score in 2016: 80%
In terms of finances, the country took 2nd place, and in terms of quality of life - 6th.
But in terms of material well-being, New Zealand has significantly worsened its position compared to last year.
According to this indicator, it takes only 19th place.
However, this is the only sub-index in which New Zealand has shown worse results.
The country showed improved results in terms of quality of life: 4th place for air quality and 8th place for happiness.
The country is only in 12th place in terms of health care, but there has been an increase in health insurance spending.
6. Australia
Overall score in 2016: 78%
The highest indicator was shown by Australia in terms of quality of life - 9th place, as well as in terms of "finances" - 5th place.
However, there is a deterioration in indicators such as material well-being (18th place) and health care (13th place).
Australia was ranked as one of the best countries in terms of "finance", fueled by low levels of debt and tax pressures. The quality of life in the country is improving in parallel with the improvement of the ecological situation.
Australia saw the greatest progress in environmental performance of any country in the study.
There is a decrease in the level of health care, however, as the compilers of the rating note, this is more likely due to the successes of other countries in this area.
7. Germany
Overall score in 2016: 78%
There is a decrease in indicators such as material well-being (7th place), healthcare (10th place) and finance (21st place).
The decline in material well-being is associated with a drop in income equality.
Despite this, the country was ranked 9th in terms of employment and 10th in terms of per capita income.
In addition, the health care indicator also fell slightly due to a slight decrease in life expectancy.
8. Denmark
Overall score in 2016: 77%
Compared to last year, Denmark has climbed four lines in the ranking and took 8th place.
The country showed the most significant improvements in such indicators as the quality of life (1st place), and the deterioration - in the field of health care (14th place).
In terms of material well-being, the country took 8th place, and in the field of finance - only 33rd place.
For the second year in a row, Denmark has been ranked 1st in quality of life, which is due to the environmental measures taken by the country's government.
In addition, Denmark ranked second in terms of happiness.
9. Netherlands
Overall score in 2016: 78%
The Netherlands showed a deterioration in three out of four indicators, but there is an improvement in quality of life (13th place). The most significant deterioration was in the finance sub-index (24th place).
Healthcare (4th place) is another indicator in which the Netherlands showed a deterioration compared to last year.
This is due to a decrease in both health care costs per capita and life expectancy.
10. Luxembourg
Overall score in 2016: 76%
Luxembourg ranked 10th, up three positions from last year.
There is an improvement in such indicators as material well-being (5th place) and quality of life (20th place).
But in terms of "finances" Luxembourg took only 29th place, worsening the result of last year.
Luxembourg has become a leader in the quality of healthcare, here its position has remained unchanged since last year.
It's no secret that it is difficult to be a pensioner in Russia. Penny benefits, low-quality medicines, and, in fact, the size of pensions themselves, which is far from always able to cover even the most unpretentious needs, leave much to be desired. Foreign pensioners, being of sound mind, do not come here, because in order to meet old age there are other, much more prosperous countries.
Statistics are not on our side
The French financial corporation has published the annual Global Retirement Index, which assesses the attractiveness and comfort of states for retirement in a particular country. In total, 43 states were included in the rating, and Russia took the shameful 40th place in the study.
The researchers identified 18 different parameters and grouped them into four main groups. This is the material security of pensioners, access to high-quality financial services to protect savings and maximize income, the availability of high-quality medical services, environmental friendliness and safety of the environment. Each of these groups constitutes a sub-index, which is rated on a scale from 0 to 100%.
We have skipped countries such as Turkey, China, Mexico and Chile. And it is even worse to meet a pension than we have, according to the compilers of the rating in Brazil, Greece and India.
What indicators are letting us down?
Almost all. The rating compilers note that, despite the fact that our positions in the rating remained the same, some indicators showed a drop. So, for example, indicators of material well-being and health worsened - we took 35th and 42nd places, respectively. This is due to the decline in per capita income and the employment indicator.
As a reminder, the authorities stopped indexing the size of pensions for working pensioners, and the level of employment became lower. So, and only then will they begin to think about what to do next.
The health subindex also fell. According to the compilers of the rating, life expectancy indicators have worsened in Russia - according to them, we are the penultimate among other countries. In addition, the cost of medical care and the cost of medical services have increased in Russia.
We are in the last place in terms of the financing sub-index.
And where is it better for pensioners to live?
But where to go to live in retirement is really worth it, so these are the countries of Northern and Western Europe. They again lead the rankings. Norway took the first place (86%), followed by Switzerland (84%) and Iceland (82%). The top five also include Sweden and New Zealand, which have the highest rates of quality of life and material well-being.
As retirement age approaches, many people start thinking about how to spend the rest of their lives as happily as possible. Where is the best place to live if you are retired? Here, of course, low prices, climate and some other conditions play a role. So which countries are the retirees' paradise?
Panama
The southernmost country in Central America came first in the 2016 ranking of countries ideal for retirees. In the magazine that featured this rating, Panama was described as the country that provides people with the most comprehensive and impressive package of retirement benefits and benefits in the world. Among them, you can find discounts on transportation, entertainment, medical care and electricity. To use all this, you need a Pensionado Visa, which has its own requirements - you must be over 18 years old, and your pension must be at least a thousand dollars a month. The local currency is the Panamanian balboas, but they are pegged to the dollar, so exchange rates will not shock anyone.
Ecuador
Ecuador came in second in the 2016 rankings thanks to generous retirement benefits, affordable housing and a great climate. Indeed, if you look at the ratings of housing affordability and climate quality, this country ranks first. Ecuador is at the equator, so there you can enjoy 12 hours of sunshine every day throughout the year. Moreover, the highlands of Ecuador, which include famous emigrant cities such as Cuenca, Vilcabamba and Cotacachi, are located about a kilometer above sea level, which provides residents with a year-round spring climate.
Malaysia
Malaysia is worth considering for its year-round sunshine and diversity - this country offers you tropical beaches and jungle, but at the same time you can enjoy the bustle of the Kuala Lumpur metropolis. In addition, the former British colony is currently one of the cheapest places to live in the world. Add to this the fact that English is so widely spoken here, the low price of food in restaurants, and freehold ownership of property by foreigners - and it becomes clear why this country is so attractive to older people around the world.
Spain
Spain has become one of the biggest victims of the European Union's debt crisis - the country's economy plunged into recession in 2008, causing property prices to plummet and unemployment rates rising just as sharply. Still, the worst times are behind us, the Spanish economy is picking up again. The percentage of growth in 2015 was about 3%, which became one of the best indicators in the entire European Union. And while unemployment remains high, jobs are being created all the time, and real estate agents report a growing demand for housing, especially in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Still, nationwide, home prices remain at about 40 percent from their peak in 2007, giving retirees the opportunity to buy their own homes fairly cheaply.
Malta
Malta is one of the smallest and most populous countries in the world. Its area is 310 square kilometers, and the population is 400 thousand people. For many people in this southern island country of Europe, English is their native language, which is why the British come here. More than five thousand British citizens live in Malta, which is located just three to four hours from London. A large number of English shops and supermarkets make moving here much easier. In addition to the abundance of sunshine and an average annual temperature of about 18 degrees, retirees are attracted by Malta's retirement plan, which allows people to enjoy an income tax rate of 15 percent.
Portugal
From sunny beaches and golf courses to fishing villages and medieval towns, Portugal beckons for its attractions. Considering that there are a lot of emigrants here, English is understood almost everywhere. The capital of the country, Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and is also listed as one of the best cities to live in today.
Thailand
Thailand is known as "the land of smiles" - and this country can really give retirees who have moved here many reasons to smile. Firstly, it is the low cost of living, secondly, the tropical climate, and thirdly, the culture, where the elderly are highly respected. In addition, income received by retirees from abroad is not taxed at all. This country is one of the best rated by the cost of living, and to this you can also add quite competitive prices for housing. In addition, you can safely eat at the bars and restaurants all the time, as a traditional Thai lunch here costs no more than one dollar.
The French financial corporation Natixis has published an annual Global Retirement Index rating, according to which Russia has been recognized as one of the most uncomfortable countries in the world for retirees. In total, 43 states are included in the rating, the Russian Federation is ranked 40th.
The global pension index reflects the comfort of retirement in a particular country and is calculated on the basis of 18 parameters, combined into four main groups. This is the material security of pensioners (material security index); access to quality financial services to protect savings and maximize income (financing index); availability of quality medical services (health index); environmental friendliness and safety of the environment (index of living standards). Each of these sub-indices is rated in the range from 0 to 100%.
Also, Sweden (80%) and New Zealand (80%) are in the top 5 countries most comfortable for retirees. Australia (78%), Germany (77%), Denmark (77%), the Netherlands (77%) and Luxembourg (76%) are in the top ten of the Natixis ranking.
At the same time, the worst indicators were shown by Brazil (41%), Greece (40%) and India (12%). Russia, in turn, was included in the top five countries least comfortable for retirees. The RF pension index was 45% - 1% less than last year. Nevertheless, the position of Russia in the global pension rating has remained unchanged - the Russian Federation, as in 2016, occupies the 40th line.
The compilers of the rating note that, compared to last year, Russia showed lower results in the indices of material well-being and health: according to these indicators, the Russian Federation took 35th and 42nd positions in the rating, respectively. However, in 2017, the country performed better on the other two sub-indices, ranking 36th in quality of life and 43rd in funding.
It is noted that the fall in material well-being is associated with a decrease in indicators in all parameters, on the basis of which this sub-index is calculated. In particular,
in terms of income equality, Russia took the fifth position from the end of the ranking, while the per capita income indicators and the employment indicator decreased - they fell to 7th and 17th places in the ranking, respectively.
Health has become another sub-index that led to the fall of the Russian Federation's positions in the global pension rating. The compilers of the rating explained that in 2017 Russia showed lower results due to the deterioration in life expectancy: according to this parameter, the country took second place from the end of the rating. In addition, this year in Russia the cost of medical services and the cost of medical services per capita have increased.
Despite the fact that the Russian Federation showed an increase in the financing index (41% compared to 40% in 2016), the country became the last in the list for this indicator.
At the same time, Russia showed an improvement in the living standards index. The authors of the rating associate this with an increase in the level of happiness of the population, as well as an improvement in the environment. Nevertheless, Russia is still one of the countries with the least favorable environment (3rd place from the end).
Russia is also experiencing demographic problems. On Wednesday, July 19, the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) reported a decline in the country's population for the period January - May 2017. According to Rosstat data, in five months the population in the country decreased by 31.1 thousand people.
The number of births in Russia in January - May 2017 decreased to 679.2 thousand people from 762.5 thousand in the same period in 2016. At the same time, the number of deaths in January - May 2017 decreased to 791 thousand people from 804.1 thousand in the same period in 2016.
Thus, in January - May 2017, a natural population decline was recorded by 111.8 thousand people (in January - May 2016, the natural decline was 41.6 thousand people).
It is specified that the migration gain by 72.2% compensated for the numerical losses of the population. In the country as a whole, in January - May 2017, the number of deaths exceeded the number of births by 1.2 times (in January - May 2016 - by 1.1 times).