Retired Expats: Which Countries Offer Longest and Shortest Lifespans?

• The expat insurance firm William Russell discovered locations where individuals over 60 years old can enjoy a higher quality of life.
• EXPLORE FURTHER: Intriguing Map Reveals What People Worldwide Aspire to Do Professionally

The nations with the highest and lowest average life expectancies for retired expatriates have been disclosed.

The study was conducted by expatriate insurance provider William Russell, examining individuals' average life expectancy starting from the age of 60 across different countries worldwide.

The team clarifies: "By concentrating on life expectancy at age 60 instead of at birth, our aim is to solely assess present health conditions for those who have reached later stages of their lives, as opposed to forecasting such outcomes several decades into the future." This approach aims to highlight potential destinations where one can lead a more healthy lifestyle during retirement.

William Russell Additionally, they examined the average number of healthy years experienced post-retirement across different countries.

Moreover, both the USA and UK fail to appear among the top 10 healthiest places for retirees.

Continue reading for the complete ranking and share your thoughts below about where you would like to relocate.

The longest life expectancies

Japan

Japan leads the rankings for longevity post-60, with inhabitants typically reaching an average age of 86.4 years, having lived an additional 26.4 years since turning 60.

On average, at least 20 of these years are spent in good health.

William Russell says: ‘Japan boasts a well-established fame as one of the globe’s most wholesome destinations regularly registering some of the longest lifespans annually.

There are numerous theories explaining why the Japanese enjoy lengthy lifespans and excellent health, often crediting their dietary habits—such as consuming plenty of fish and veggies—and traditional avoidance of harmful cooking techniques and artificial ingredients.

South Korea

After reaching 60 years old, South Koreans can expect to live an additional 26.2 years, bringing their total lifespan to approximately 86.2 years, with about 19 of those years typically being healthy. This puts them right after Japan in terms of longevity.

William Russell states: "In South Korea, their well-regarded nutritious eating habits consist largely of ample amounts of fresh fruits and veggies, along with fish and poultry."

'The nation features a subsidized health care system that is easily available to inhabitants, with individuals typically bearing just 20 percent of the cost of their medical treatments on average.'

This system is financed through National Health Insurance contributions, set at 5 percent for people who are employed, with rates varying for those who are self-employed depending on their earnings.

Singapore

Singapore completes the top three, with people anticipated to live an additional 26.1 years beyond their sixtieth birthday (up to 86.1 years total), and they can expect to enjoy good health for about 20 of those years on average.

William Russell discloses: 'Singapore stands as a highly advanced nation in Southeast Asia that has undergone significant development in public health over the past few decades thanks to forward-thinking policy initiatives.'

These encompass substantial levies on tobacco and alcoholic beverages, initiatives for fostering an energetic lifestyle and nutritious eating habits, along with ensuring readily available verdant areas for the community.

The shortest life expectancies

South Africa

At the bottom of the list for life expectancy is South Africa, where people are projected to live an additional 15.3 years beyond reaching 60, extending their lifespan up to 75.3 years in total. On average, only about 11 of these years are typically enjoyed in good health due to various factors.

William Russell states: 'The nation grapples with immense inequalities, leading to varied health results among different communities.'

Although the apartheid era concluded in the early 1990s, consecutive administrations have failed to implement comprehensive health policies for the broader public. Many individuals still cannot afford the medical care they require.

Indonesia

In the rankings, Indonesia sits slightly higher than South Africa, where people live up to an average age of 75.4 years following their sixtieth birthday, extending their life by 15.4 years. However, out of these additional years, merely 11 are typically enjoyed in good health.

William Russell states: 'For many years, Indonesia has faced severe issues due to extremely high levels of air pollution.'

'Over 90 percent of the nation's residents live in urban areas where the contamination levels surpass those recommended by the World Health Organization.'

India

In India, people live an average of 15.6 more years after reaching 60, extending their lifespan to 75.6 years. However, only 11.5 of these additional years are typically enjoyed in good health.

William Russell states: "India is an enormous nation characterized by significant disparities in wealth between the wealthiest and the most impoverished citizens."

Differences in life expectancy are present not just between wealthy and impoverished individuals but are also exacerbated by the nation’s traditional caste system, where those belonging to lower-ranking castes frequently have shorter lifespans.

'Nevertheless, the impact of the caste system might diminish as global connectivity increases, and such factors would probably not affect an expatriate residing in the nation.'

LONGEST AND SHORTEST LIFE SPANS POST-60 YEARS

THE LONGEST

1) Japan - 86.6 years (26.6 years after reaching 60)

2) South Korea - 86.2 years (26.2 years post age 60)

3) Singapore - 86.1 years (26.1 years post age 60)

4) Australia - 85.7 years (25.7 years post age 60)

5) Switzerland - 85.4 years (25.4 years post-60)

6) New Zealand - 85.1 years (25.1 years beyond 60)

7) Spain - 85 years (25 years following 60)

8) France - 84.9 years (24.9 years beyond 60)

8) Iceland — 84.9 years (24.9 years post-60)

9) Norway - 84.8 years (24.8 years post-60)

THE SHORTEST

1) South Africa - 75.3 years (15.3 years post-60)

2) Indonesia - 75.4 years (15.4 years post-60)

3) India - 75.6 years (15.6 years post-60)

4) Moldova - 76 years (with an additional 16 years after reaching 60)

5) Kazakhstan - 76.4 years (16.4 years beyond 60)

6) Bulgaria - 76.8 years (16.8 years beyond 60)

6) Georgia - 76.8 years (16.8 years beyond 60)

7) Serbia - 77.2 years (17.2 years post-60)

8) Oman - 77.3 years (17.3 years post-60)

9) North Macedonia - 77.4 years (17.4 years beyond 60)

Source: William Russell

It follows after Costa Rica was disclosed to be the most welcoming nation for expatriates worldwide.

Most expatriates (88 percent) report feeling "very welcomed" in Costa Rica, and 83 percent state that they feel like they belong there.

The outcome was derived from a poll conducted by InterNations , an expatriate guide that invited foreigners living in 53 different countries worldwide to evaluate their adopted homes.

Expat respondents were queried regarding their social interactions, sense of belonging, ease of adapting to the local customs, and the hospitality of the indigenous community.

Read more