International Study Ranks Canada 4th in Seniors' Quality of Life

OTTAWA, Oct. 2, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - To mark the United Nation's International Day of Older Persons, HelpAge International has launched the second Global AgeWatch Index. It is the only international index that ranks countries according to the social and economic well-being of their older people. This year Canada ranks 4^th, up from 5^th place in 2013. With an overall score of 87.5/100, Canada follows Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.

Using reliable international data sets, the Index provides comparative data on 96 countries, representing 790 million people (91% of those 60+). As well as providing an overall country ranking, the Global AgeWatch Index measures four indicators that have been identified by older persons themselves as key enablers of their wellbeing. Canada ranks 7^th in income security, 4^th in health status, 8^th in capabilities (employment and education), and 9^th in enabling environment. 

According to HelpAge Canada Chairperson, Jack Panozzo, "While it is very positive that Canada ranks fourth on seniors' well-being, we still cannot afford to be complacent. Our aging population is fast becoming a pressing issue that challenges us all – as individuals, businesses, organizations and as governments. We need to continue to work together to address the issues that Canadians seniors face daily, including elder abuse, ageism and social isolation."

HelpAge International's Global AgeWatch Index ranks countries by how well their aging populations are faring. The purpose of the Global AgeWatch Index is to:

• monitor the well-being of older people across the world
• Identify and track key trends on aging at country, regional and global levels.
• provide a framework for governments and international institutions on key data needed to develop policy related to population aging.

The Index tells us that economic growth alone will not improve older people's well-being and that all countries need to put specific policies in place to address the many implications of aging.

To download the executive summary and the full report: http://www.helpage.org/global-agewatch/ (link is live at 7pm Sept. 30 EST)

About HelpAge Canada:
Established in 1975 and a founding member of HelpAge International,  HelpAge Canada works to improve and maintain the quality of life of vulnerable older persons and their communities in Canada and around the world so that they can lead secure, active, healthy and dignified lives. .www.helpagecanada.ca

About HelpAge International:
HelpAge International helps older people claim their rights, challenge discrimination and overcome poverty, so that they can lead dignified, secure, active and healthy lives. Their work is strengthened through their global network of like-minded organizations – the only one of its kind in the world. www.helpage.org

Global AgeWatch Index
Top 20 - 2014
1. Norway
2. Sweden
3. Switzerland
4. Canada
5. Germany
6. Netherlands
7. Iceland
8 United States
9. Japan
10. New Zealand
11. UK
12. Denmark
13. Australia
14. Austria
15. Finland
16. France
17. Ireland
18. Israel
19. Luxembourg
20. Estonia

GLOBAL AGEWATCH INDEX:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Canada: Country Report

Ranking by domain: 4	Indicators data	What does this mean?
Income security     Rank: 7 (Score: 83.2/100)	Pension coverage: 78.02%	Share of people 65+ covered by old age, disability and survivor's pension schemes.
	Old age poverty rate: 7.19%	Percent of older people with an income of less than half Canada's average income.
	Relative welfare: 93	The average income/consumption of older people as a proportion of the average; 100 = older people have the same income as the rest of the population.
	GDP per capita: $35,739  CDN	This is a proxy for standard of living of people within a country.
Health status     Rank: 4 (Score: 80.3/100)	Life expectancy at 60: 25 years	The average number of years a person of 60 can expect to live.
	Healthy life expectancy at 60: 18 years	The average number of years a person of 60 can expect to live in good physical health.
	Relative psychological/mental wellbeing:  91	Proportion of people over 50 who feel their life has an important purpose or meaning as the share of people age 25-34 who feel the same.
Capabilities   Rank: 8 (Score: 59.7/100)	Employment of older people: 59.8%	Percentage of the population aged 55-64 that is employed.
	Educational attainment: 83.9%	Percentage of population aged 60+ with secondary or higher education.
Enabling environment     Rank: 9 (Score: 78.9/100)	Social connections: 94%	Share of people over 50 who have relatives or friends they can count on when in trouble.
	Physical safety: 79%	Share of people over 50 who feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where they live.
	Civic freedom: 93%	Share of people over 50 who are satisfied with the freedom of choice in their life.
	Access to public transport: 56%	Share of people over 50 who are satisfied with the local public transportation systems.

SOURCE: HelpAge Canada

Media inquiries: Louise Crandall, 613-232-5101, [email protected]