Norway named best place to grow oldOctober 1, 2014 - 10:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Norway is the best place to grow old, an index of the quality of later life in 96 countries reveals, according to BBC News. HelpAge International's Global AgeWatch Index measures the social and economic welfare of those over 60. Published on the UN International Day of Older Persons, it ranks Australia, Western Europe and North America highly, and Afghanistan last. The report predicts that by 2050, 21% of the global population will be over 60. The index measures four areas - income security, health, personal capability and whether the person lives in an "enabling environment". Hot on the heels of Norway comes Sweden, closely followed by Switzerland, Canada and Germany. The report says that by 2050 some 40 countries in the index will have populations where 30% are aged 60 or over. The UN has said that the number of those aged 60 or over is expected to reach 1.4 billion by 2030. Several Latin American countries - particularly Mexico and Peru - have leapt up the index for their commitment in ensuring "social pensions" for the poorest older people. These are tax-financed, non-contributory pensions that ensure a basic income for the most vulnerable. In Mexico, nearly nine out of every 10 people aged 65 and over receive a social pension. Because of this, Mexico ranks at 30 on the index, outstripping the BRICS nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Related links: Top stories The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. The situation on the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan was relatively stable overnight, the Defense Army says. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has visited the southern Armenian province of Syunik, the Defense Ministry reported on March 18. Partner news | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. CSTO recognizes Armenia’s sovereign right to withdraw Tasmagambetov has said that if Armenia decides to leave the organization, “it will be the sovereign right of Armenia.” Ex-President: Only removal of “defeatist” rulers can save Armenia Former Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has shared a message on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. |