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The expat insurance firm William Russell discovered locations where individuals over 60 years old can enjoy a higher quality of life.
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The nations with the highest and lowest average life expectancies for retired expatriates have been disclosed.
The study was conducted by expatriate insurance provider William Russell, examining individuals’ average life expectancy starting from the age of 60 across different countries worldwide.
The team clarifies: “By concentrating on life expectancy at age 60 instead of at birth, our aim is to solely focus on present health conditions for those who are senior citizens, avoiding any predictions about future outcomes over the next six decades.” This approach aims to highlight where one might lead a more healthy lifestyle during their later years abroad.
William Russell
Also examined the average number of healthy years experienced following retirement in each nation.
Moreover, neither the USA nor the UK ranks among the top 10 healthiest places for retirees.
Continue reading for the complete ranking and share your thoughts below about where you would like to relocate.
The longest life expectancies
Japan
Japan
leads the rankings for life expectancy post-60, with inhabitants typically reaching an average age of 86.4, having lived an additional 26.4 years since turning 60.
On average, at least 20 of these years are spent in good health.
William Russell says: ‘Japan
boasts a well-established reputation as one of the globe’s most wholesome destinations
regularly registering some of the longest average lifespans annually.
There are numerous theories explaining why Japanese people enjoy longevity and excellent health, often crediting their dietary habits—such as consuming plenty of fish and vegetables—and their traditional avoidance of harmful cooking techniques and additives.
South Korea
After reaching 60 years old, South Koreans have an expected lifespan of 26.2 more years, bringing their total to 86.2 years, with approximately 19 of those additional years being healthy ones, closely following Japan’s ranking.
William Russell elucidates: “In South Korea, their dietary habits emphasize healthiness, featuring an abundance of fresh fruits and veggies along with fish and poultry.”
‘The nation features a subsidized healthcare system that is readily available to inhabitants, with individuals typically bearing just 20 percent of the cost of their medical services on average.’
This system is supported by National Health Insurance contributions, set at five percent for people who are employed, and varying for those who are self-employed, depending on their income.
Singapore
Singapore completes the top three, where people are projected to live an additional 26.1 years beyond their sixtieth birthday (reaching an average age of 86.1), with approximately twenty of those years being healthy ones.
William Russell discloses: ‘Singapore stands as a significantly advanced nation in Southeast Asia, having undergone substantial improvements in public health over the past several decades thanks to forward-thinking policy initiatives.’
These encompass high duties on tobacco and liquor, initiatives for promoting dynamic living habits and nutritious eating patterns, along with an emphasis on making verdant public areas available to citizens.
The shortest life expectancies
South Africa
At the bottom of the list for life expectancy is South Africa, where people are projected to live an additional 15.3 years past the age of 60, reaching up to 75.3 years old on average; however, they typically enjoy good health for only about 11 of those years due to various factors.
William Russell states: ‘The nation grapples with immense inequalities, leading to varied health results among different communities.’
Although the apartheid era concluded in the early 1990s, subsequent administrations have failed to implement comprehensive health policies for the broader public, leaving numerous individuals without access to affordable medical care.
Indonesia
Indonesia ranks slightly higher than South Africa, with people living an additional 15.4 years beyond the age of 60, reaching up to 75.4 years in total. However, only 11 of these years are considered healthy.
William Russell states: ‘For many years, Indonesia has faced severe issues due to extremely high levels of air pollution.’
‘Over 90 percent of the nation’s populace resides in urban areas where the contamination levels surpass the standards set by the World Health Organization.’
India
In India, people live an average of 15.6 more years after reaching 60, extending their lifespan to 75.6 years. However, only 11.5 of these additional years are typically enjoyed in good health.
William Russell elucidates: “India is an extensive nation marked by significant disparities in wealth between its wealthiest and most impoverished citizens.”
Differences in life expectancy are present not just between wealthy and impoverished individuals but are also exacerbated by the nation’s traditional caste system, where those belonging to lower-caste groups frequently have shorter lifespans.
Nevertheless, the impact of the caste system might diminish as global connectivity increases, and such factors would probably not affect an expatriate residing in the nation.
This follows the revelation that Costa Rica was the
most welcoming nation for expatriates worldwide.
Most expatriates (88 percent) report feeling “very welcomed” in Costa Rica, and 83 percent state that they feel like they belong there.
The outcome was derived from a poll conducted by
InterNations
, a survey for expats, where individuals living abroad in 53 different nations worldwide were asked to evaluate their adopted homes.
Expat respondents were queried regarding their social lives, their sense of feeling at home, the ease with which they adapted to the culture, and the amiability of the locals.
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