Norway ranked as the No. 1 place to grow old

By EMILY CEGIELSKI

Norway is the best country for older people, according to a global index that measures the quality of life in 96 countries. Sweden and Switzerland rounded out the top three, while the United States barely made the top 10. Afghanistan came in last, ranking lowest in the health domain with a below-average life expectancy.

The 2014 Global AgeWatch Index, released on Tuesday, analyzed 13 key indicators from countries around the world to rank nations based on the well-being of their aging populations. Factors measured included income security, poverty rate in old age, life expectancy at 60, physical safety, civic freedom and employment.

While many countries were missing from the list due to lack of data, the Associated Press points out that the nations included in the index are home to about 90 percent of the world's 60-plus population.

According to HelpAge International, the non-profit behind the Global AgeWatch Index, nearly 12 percent of the world's population is over 60, and by 2050, that number is expected to rise to 21 percent. This rapid growth is one of the reasons HelpAge is calling to action policymakers around the world to address the implications of aging.

Click through our slideshow above to see how all 96 countries stack up against each other.