Estonia Tops Global Retirement Rankings, Surprising Many

A recent study has identified Estonia as the world’s best country for retirement, according to research conducted by life insurance experts, Everly Life. The analysis assessed 137 countries across six critical factors, including cost of living, healthcare quality, safety levels, air quality, elderly population percentage, and retirement visa availability.

The findings highlight the importance of location in retirement planning. “When we talk to clients about retirement planning, location often becomes the wild card that can make or break their financial strategy,” said Mariah Bliss, spokesperson for Everly Life. She emphasized that while a country may appear affordable, poor healthcare or safety concerns could undermine retirement savings.

Estonia’s Retirement Appeal

Estonia topped the rankings with an impressive index score of 79.41. The Baltic nation strikes a balance between reasonable living costs, rated at 55.9, and commendable healthcare standards, which received an index of 77.7. Safety is also a strong point for Estonia, with an index of 76.5.

Estonia’s population of elderly residents, comprising 20.91% of its total population, indicates a society that accommodates retirees well. Additionally, the country enjoys pristine air quality, reflected in a low pollution index of just 4.6. “Estonia represents the sweet spot many retirees are seeking,” Bliss noted. “You’re getting Northern European healthcare standards and safety without the crushing costs of places like Switzerland or Denmark.”

Furthermore, Estonia’s advanced digital infrastructure and its e-residency program attract tech-savvy retirees who wish to maintain global connectivity while enjoying a serene lifestyle.

Other Top Contenders

Following Estonia, Norway secured the second position with an index of 77.30. Although the cost of living is relatively high at 78.9, Norway compensates for this with the highest healthcare rating in the study, achieving an index of 83. The country also maintains solid safety standards with an index of 67.2.

In third place, Portugal presents a compelling value proposition for retirees, earning an index of 77.10. Notably, Portugal boasts the lowest cost of living index among the top-ranked countries at 45.8. The nation offers strong healthcare, rated at 77.4, and respectable safety levels with an index of 67.6. Furthermore, Portugal has the highest percentage of elderly residents among the top ten, at 24.11%, creating a supportive infrastructure for retirees.

The rankings reveal a diverse array of appealing options for those looking to retire comfortably. The complete list includes:

– Estonia: 79.41
– Norway: 77.30
– Portugal: 77.10
– Spain: 74.49
– Australia: 71.74
– Canada: 71.51
– Latvia: 71.21
– Hungary: 70.90
– Malta: 70.81
– Italy: 70.80

As retirees consider their future, the insights from Everly Life’s analysis provide valuable guidance in choosing a destination that balances financial viability with quality of life.