Golden sands, warm seas and eternal sunshine – is this the best place to spend your retirement? According to some, it certainly is. Objectively, however, it turns out that other aspects are more important, in which Norway, Switzerland and Iceland excel, which is why they are considered the best countries for retirement. What directions can the Poles aim for?
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development estimates that by 2050, 30% of the world’s population will be 65 or older. This means that more and more people will reach an age where they can draw pension benefits. What’s the best place to spend the fall of your life?
Health, quality of life, material well-being and finances are the most important factors in retirement
Although some people equate a dream vacation with a deckchair, the beach and a good booze in hand, this cinematic vision rarely has anything to do with reality. Completely different factors determine the choice of the best place to retire. The Global Retirement Index, i.e. one of the world’s most respected rankings of retirement policy, lists four areas that should be crucial in identifying the best countries for retirement.
The first is health, which includes per capita health expenditure or life expectancy. Quality of life is also important, measured on the basis of happiness, hygiene and air quality. The third criterion is related to material well-being, ie per capita income and level of unemployment. The last pillar is based on finances that directly concern retirees. We are therefore talking about fiscal pressure, inflation, interest rates, as well as fiscal policy towards the elderly.
Norway, Switzerland and Iceland are the best countries for retirement
Based on the criteria indicated, a ranking of countries where retirement can be a real pleasure has been drawn up. The undisputed leader in the ranking is Norway, where the average life expectancy is 83 years, 9 years above the world average. In second place is Switzerland, which shines in terms of the environment and finances in retirement. Iceland closes the podium.
Other places belong to Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Luxembourg. As for the division into specific regions of the world, the best place to spend the fall of life is North America. Western Europe ranked second. Third place goes to Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Reading this ranking, you may be wondering where Poland stands. Unfortunately, the list of top 25 countries for retirement turned out to be too small to cover our country.
In Poland, life is hard for pensioners, abroad only exoticism is at stake
Unfortunately, the situation of pensioners in Poland is not the easiest. Despite the fact that the government constantly insists that taking care of the elderly is one of its priorities, the ranking presented clearly shows that giving money is not everything. A good quality of life in retirement is also influenced by other factors, such as health care or environmental protection. These criteria are quite lame in our country.
In addition, a downward trend in the pension/salary ratio is constantly perceptible. According to data published by the Central Statistical Office, salaries are increasing by 15.8% on average, while pensions are increasing by 7% per year. At present, there is no indication that, despite the payment of additional benefits, this relationship was to be reversed. Experts point out that changes can only be made by raising the retirement age, but the united right does not want to allow that just yet.
Since retirement in Poland is not a dream option, where can you live with dignity for the benefits received in the country? Well, unfortunately Bermuda, which is considered the most expensive place to live in retirement, probably won’t count. Three years ago, we were pointing the finger at Ukraine, but given the current situation, this is not a very good direction. The other options, however, haven’t changed much. Asia and Latin America are still in the lead. So it’s time to pack your bags?
