Denmark just named happiest country for retirees

This year, the World Happiness Report names Denmark the happiest country for retirees. Denmark ranked second in the world for overall happiness. Two other Scandinavian countries, Finland and Norway, placed second and third respectively on happiness for older adults. 

People in Denmark have a much longer life expectancy than people in most other countries. It has been growing over the last 75 years. Before long, it should be 87 for women and 85 for men. Health among older adults in Denmark is relatively good. More than six in ten of them between 65 and 74 said they had high overall satisfaction with their health.

Danes typically retire at 65. Though in six years time, 2030, the retirement age will increase to 68. Denmark has a pension system for all Danes. The pension system can take care of many costs for some Danes, including heat, and health costs.

The US ranks tenth in the World Happiness report for people over 60. But younger Americans are far less happy than younger Americans in other countries. The US ranks 23rd overall.

The US ranks 62nd on happiness among adults under 30.  Happiness improves as we age. We rank 42nd on happiness for people between 30 and 44. And, we rank 17th on happiness for people between 45 and 59.

Overall, as people age, the World Happiness Report says that people’s happiness declines a bit. But, “the prevailing negativity bias of younger ages is on average across the world increasingly offset as age leads people to focus more on positive news and memories, to accumulate enriching life experiences, to think better of others, and to rate their lives more highly.” 

Here’s more from Just Care:

• 2024: How much should you save to cover health care costs in retirement?
• Retirement Reboot: What you should know and how to plan ahead
• Beginning at age 72, you must withdraw money from your retirement accounts
• What’s a continuing care retirement community?
• Who’s most likely to retire early?