Afghanistan rated worst place in world to be old
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 1 October 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Afghanistan rated worst place in world to be old, 1 October 2013, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/5261041414.html [accessed 21 December 2015] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
October 01, 2013
By RFE/RL
An elderly man lies on the ground as he begs in Kandahar. (file photo)
A new study ranks Afghanistan as the worst place in the world to be old.
The Global AgeWatch Index, compiled by the UN Population Fund and the advocacy group HelpAge International, was published on October 1 – the UN's International Day of Older Persons. It examines the quality of life of the elderly in 91 countries.
The top of the list is dominated by countries from Western Europe and North America, along with Japan, Australia, and Chile. In the former Soviet Union, Estonia has the highest ranking (29th), followed by Georgia (37th), Armenia (51st), and Tajikistan (52nd). Russia is 78th and Pakistan 89th.
The report warns that most countries are not prepared to support their swelling numbers of elderly people. It says that by 2050, seniors older than 60 will outnumber children younger than 15.
Based on a report by Helpage.org
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
