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 | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |