“An aging index compares health, equality and social cohesion among countries.”
by Judith Graham
“The U.S. has a long way to go in becoming a truly age-friendly society, according to a new international scorecard — the most comprehensive assessment to date of how nations across the world are responding to their aging populations.
“Results were released last month at the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics’ World Congress in San Francisco.
“The United States performed well, overall. With a score of 59.8 (out of a possible 100), it came in third of 18 countries for which composite scores were compiled, behind Norway (with a score of 65) and Sweden (with a score of 62).
“Hungary brought up the rear (at 23.5), followed by Poland (at 31.4) and Estonia (33.3).
“Many improvements needed
“Still, striking areas of weakness are highlighted in the analysis: rates of poverty among older adults in the U.S. are high; income inequality is pronounced; public expenditures for long-term care are low; tension between older and younger generations is palpable and healthy life expectancy is below that of several other nations.”
