The study by Help Age International which is held every year shows that the three best countries to grow old in Americas are Panama, Chile and Uruguay. Globally the first three best countries are Switzerland, Sweden and Norway, Germany come in fourth place and U.S. is only the ninth.
The least recommended countries in Americas are Honduras, Venezuela and Paraguay.
The four main aspects that the research considers are income security, health status, capability and enabling environment.
Reasons why Panama is a good place to grow old
In Global Index Panama occupies the 20th place. Older people in Panama have more opportunities to look after themselves, better education and chances to be employed than the rest of Latin America. The employment rate for the people between 55 and 64 is as high as 98.3%.
Panama also has good world ranking in health and life span ratings plus reliable pension schemes. According to the last research of Panama Humanities Faculty, in June 2015 there were 302,120 people aged 65 and above in Panama in the total population of a little more than 4 million people. As small as pension might be in Panama, its relation to poverty rating is moderate with only 17.7%.
There are also effective state policies and programs directed to senior citizens. In addition to this, there is a bill that will guarantee old people’s rights which is awaiting approval in National Assembly.
Source: Help Age International
