Best countries to move to for seniors

For the average person, it takes a lot of courage to move overseas. Add on top of old age and the distance from your loved ones, many people would be reluctant. Even though you might be reluctant at first, after researching the country of interest, you might find that idea growing on you. You see there are many places with great benefits for seniors. So even though you will be further away from what you are used to, don't cancel the idea out!

After years of hard work, many people decide that they want to retire in another country. For many, it may be their dream destination or simply returning home. For others, it may have sentimental value, but most choose their destination country based on the benefits that said country can provide. The benefits may include benefits for health, affordability, or simply overall lifestyle. The best destination may differ for everyone, but do you know what countries may be ideal for seniors?

Some of the best countries for seniors include:

• Norway
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Germany

Norway

Let's begin with Norway. Norway is ranked as No. 1 for the elderly. Norway claimed the top spot because of its well-developed and well-maintained programs and organizations for the elderly. It is known for its history of state welfare and campaigns that create awareness of age-related issues, making it one of the only countries that is consistently trying to progress their care for seniors. Most home nursing is provided free of charge, so you never have to worry about receiving the proper care in the comfort of your own home. Additionally, you have no worries about a language barrier - the majority of Norway's residents speak English! With its strong sense of community and financial security for the elderly, it is no wonder why Norway has consistently found itself in the No. 1 spot.

Aside from its programs and financial help, Norway is also one of Europe's most beautiful and cleanest countries. Its capital, Oslo, is known as the second healthiest city in the world! It is rich with clean air, clean water, and beautiful scenery. While this country has many residents, it is far from crowded. It is quite relaxed and doesn't give the feeling of rush or loudness, which I am sure can be well appreciated.

Sweden

Sweden's elderly care system is not far behind Norway. This care system aims to help the elderly live independent lives. Life expectancy in Sweden is among the highest in the world: 81 years for men and close to 84 years for women. Since more and more citizens in this age group are in good health, their care requirements have declined since the 1980s. Swedish municipalities planning housing and residential areas are required to ensure that they meet the needs of elderly people and those with disabilities. Sweden offers multiple programs for seniors who reside in ‘senior housing', which is ordinary homes for people aged 55 and over. Since one of the aims of elderly care is to help the elderly and those with disabilities live independent lives, this includes living in their own homes as long as possible, much like Norway.

One of the programs Sweden offers to its elderly and disabled is ready-cooked meals that can be home-delivered. Almost half of the country's municipalities also provide communal meals for the elderly at special day centers, while a few organize small groups of elderly people into teams that cook their own meals.

Elderly residents with disabilities can receive assistance around the clock, which means that many are able to remain at home throughout their lives. The severely ill, too, can be provided with health and social care in their own homes. The elderly and disabled also qualify for transportation services in taxis or specially adapted vehicle Sweden has a growing proportion of elderly people. Elderly care has therefore become increasingly important, and the government has taken steps to meet future challenges in this area. Preventive care keeps older people healthier, and Sweden takes that to heart.

Switzerland

Third on our list is Switzerland, which is regularly featured among the best places to live in the world. The country scores highly on criteria such as personal safety, natural beauty, and solid infrastructure. It also has a reputation of being a safe and clean country. Violent crime is nearly non-existent

Being located in the heart of Europe, it provides quick and easy transportation within the major cities. The country has the densest rail network in the world, making it possible to travel everywhere in the country, from wherever you are. Public transport also connects the top of the mountains via the mountain trains and Postal buses.

If you are looking for nature and to experience the outdoors, you don't have to look very far. Switzerland is incredibly close to nature. From the city center of a major city like Zurich, you can get to the countryside or mountain top in just half an hour. Due to the beautiful natural landscapes, life in Switzerland can almost feel like a vacation, something that retirees will especially enjoy. Following an active lifestyle, regardless of age, is shown to have various benefits, such as reducing the risk of diseases. Switzerland is a very pedestrian-friendly destination where the streets are highly walkable and often preferred over driving in congested cities. Going to the grocery store or post office on foot, daily, makes having a gym membership redundant. The country also has plenty of cycling routes and bike rentals. With no shortage of stunning natural scenery to enjoy, it is no wonder that people in Switzerland are so active.

In Switzerland, retirees will be able to live a diverse lifestyle that appeals to people of different backgrounds, and with different interests. Switzerland also benefits from political and financial stability, allowing its residents to enjoy a high standard of living. Switzerland levies taxes that are lower than those imposed in countries like the United States and United Kingdom. For instance, at the Swiss federal level, the highest bracket is taxed only at 17%. Concerned about a language barrier? English is widely spoken, so no worries there.

On top of all of that, some of the best chocolate in the world comes from Switzerland. The country has the highest chocolate consumption per capita, of any country in the world. Dark chocolate in particular is known to have certain properties that can play a role in preventing ailments and may have some anti-aging benefits.

Germany

Germany has long been an attractive destination for retirees. One main reason is that visas are not needed to be a resident. In addition, the country boasts a reasonable cost of living, an excellent healthcare system, high quality of life, and an efficient transport system. Cities like Munich have some of the best healthcare centers. The many parks throughout the city give you the space for walks and relaxation and because parks surround the city, it removes the feeling of “rush” and “city life” that other big cities may have. While larger cities have higher living expenses, it is still affordable compared to large cities in the US. Germany boasts an abundance of English-speaking organizations to cover all interests, especially in the biggest cities.

Concerned about your will? Setting up a will when moving to Germany will ensure that your estate is settled in line with your wishes. EU rules state that citizens living abroad can choose whether they want the inheritance laws of their home country or country of residence to apply. However, if you pass away without leaving a will, the law of the country you have lived in for the last five years will apply instead.