When it comes to taking care of seniors, some countries stand out for their exceptional approaches to elder care, offering better support ...
When it comes to taking care of seniors, some countries stand out for their exceptional approaches to elder care, offering better support systems, healthcare, and community services than the United States. Here’s a look at 17 countries that excel at providing superior care for their elderly populations.
Norway
“Individuals who have resided in Norway for at least five years between age 16 and 66 (inclusive) are entitled to the guarantee pension in the new system. A full guarantee pension is granted after forty years of residence, and it is reduced proportionally for shorter periods,” according to the OECD. With high pension rates and some of the highest employment rates among seniors, older adults can continue enjoying a fantastic quality of life and independence.
Sweden
Social connectedness is a top priority in Sweden, focusing on keeping people in their homes for as long as possible while engaging them in various programs and community activities. Elderly care is primarily funded through municipal taxes and government grants, ensuring high-quality services are accessible to all seniors.
Switzerland
With an exceptional healthcare system, Swiss residents are living their best lives well into their 80s. Switzerland also has an above-average rate of older people who feel socially connected, secure in their personal safety, and satisfied with civic freedom.
Germany
Known for their engineering, Germans have taken a technological approach to aging. The EU-funded Smart Service Power project has developed technologies to monitor seniors in their homes. “The platform can remotely monitor a person’s condition in real time, predict any deterioration in their health, detect a medical emergency, and alert healthcare emergency services if help is needed,” the European Commission reports. This ensures the elderly get medical support when needed and can help predict when it’s time to move to a care facility.
Canada
Canadians are obviously doing something right by caring for older adults because they have the longest life expectancy in the world. Income security, with the help of solid pensions and top-notch social support, keeps Canada one of the best places to be in your golden years. Canada’s capital, Ottawa, has even pledged to invest more money to support its aging population and home-care programs.
Japan
As part of their culture, the Japanese give a lot of respect to their elders, which shows in the programs they have to keep them living active lives into old age. For example, Broadview states, “At Hotch-no-Lodge, a health clinic and community centre in the town of Karuizawa, residents share their wisdom and skills with the wider community by building relationships with young people through art activities. Japan even has a national holiday called Respect for the Aged Day to honour the contributions the older generation has made to society.”
Netherlands
With innovations such as the “Dementia Village” and cohabitating facilities for students to live with senior residents rent-free, the Netherlands is doing things differently for its aging population, according to the International Observatory on Social Housing. The Dementia Village offers residents smaller group homes with caregivers fashioned in the period their memories revert to, with the ease of accessibility to stores and entertainment within walking distance, all for a maximum of $3,800 a month.
Australia
You’re eligible for aged care if you are 65 or older (50 or older if you identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person) in Australia. Aged care can help you with the necessities to keep you living in your home or find an assisted living facility. For community engagement, seniors can be matched one-on-one with a friend, receive regular caring welfare calls, be driven to appointments, or be delivered a healthy meal, all of which are publicly funded.
France
The government in France offers various subsidies to help cover the costs of elderly care, making it more affordable. French Entrée describes one tax benefit: “Over 65s in France benefit from a number of tax reductions. Income-dependent reductions in income tax and taxe foncière (property tax) start from 65, while over 75s on lower incomes are completely exempt from taxe foncière.”
New Zealand
Community-based approaches are employed in New Zealand for elderly care, promoting integration and social support. New Zealand also offers mental health services for free to people over 65 with dementia and long-standing or late-onset mental health concerns through Awhi Mātua, formerly Mental Health Services for Older People, MHSOP.
Belgium
There are three main categories of elder care in Belgium: institutional care, community care, and home care. The responsibility for long-term care for older people is split between the federal level and the federated entities (regions and communities), and there is a cultural emphasis on family-centric care.
Singapore
By 2026, Singapore will be a “super-aged” nation, according to Duke NUS Medical School, meaning at least 21% of its population will be 65 or older. Longer life expectancies are due in part to Singapore’s healthcare system, which is renowned for its efficiency and quality. Also, because research shows lonely seniors live shorter lives, Singapore has worked on initiatives to keep its elders active and engaged, including mixed-use playgrounds for children with senior exercise stations.
South Korea
Like Japan, South Korea has a cultural respect for elders, which is reflected in its elderly care policies. Confucian teachings, such as filial piety and respect for the elderly, are important in Korean society. South Korea has a tax-based basic pension program providing unconditional monthly cash support to people aged 65 years and older and also a Senior Employment Program to provide supplemental income to lift people over the age of 60 out of poverty, increase social participation, and maintain health.
Spain
According to Spain’s Country Health Profile by the European Commission, there are fewer deaths from preventable diseases and lower levels of smoking, drinking alcohol, and poor diet than the EU averages, which allows them to have one of the highest life expectancies in Europe. Spain has a highly developed system of geriatric care, with 2,456 professional members of the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology.
Italy
It’s all about family in Italy, where multiple generations often live under the same roof. Home care is the option of choice for the majority of Italian families, with daughters taking on the bulk of the work, but the government does help with subsidization and offers out-of-home options as well.
Ireland
The healthcare services in Ireland are of high quality, ensuring that seniors receive the care they need. Ireland also offers strong community networks that support and care for seniors, keeping them connected and engaged.
Iceland
With one of the highest life expectancies in the world, which is indicative of excellent overall healthcare, and a community care-focused system, Iceland takes immaculate care of its seniors. Landneminn says, “Many will receive support from their municipality (i.e., with cleaning, preparing meals, drug dosages, or help bathing) or they take advantage of leisure activities for senior citizens.”
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