The Natixis Global Retirement Index (GRI) analyzes 44 developed and developing countries on a variety of factors affecting retirement security. The United States ranked as the 22nd best country to retire in 2024, up from 20th in 2023.

What is the Global Retirement Index?

The 12-year index, created by Natixis Investment Managers, analyzes the factors affecting the well-being of retirees in each country. Researchers combine indicators of retirement security into four main groups: financial well-being of the elderly, financial situation of retirees, quality of life and health.

The index and the accompanying report, International Monetary Fund countries belonging to developed economies Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OCED)and BRICS countries Brazil, Russia, India, South Africa and China.

How Does the United States Rank?

Health

In 2024, the United States ranks in the top 30 for healthcare, at a lower level than in previous years. The United States spends more per capita on healthcare than other developed countries.

Material Wellbeing

The Material Wellbeing subindex is based on performance on three indicators: income equality, per capita income and unemployment. The United States ranked 21st in 2023 and 24th in 2024. The low score of the Material Welfare subindex is due to the low score on unemployment.

Retirement Financing

During the COVID-19 epidemic, the USA CARES ActThis allowed individuals to withdraw hardship from contribution plans with impunity. More than 3,000 people withdrew the maximum amount of more than $100,000 from their accounts. In the Retirement Finance subindex, the United States ranked 15th in 2024. The score is based on factors such as tax pressure, banks’ non-performing loans and government debt.

Quality of Life

The USA ranks 21st in this subcategory in 2023 and 23rd in 2024. The indicator lists retirees’ happiness and environmental factors.

Switzerland and the Nordic Countries Lead the Way

Switzerland, Norway and Iceland are in the top three places in the 2024 GRI rankings. The strong presence of the Scandinavian countries attracts attention; Denmark ranks 9th.

In conclusion

The Natixis Global Retirement Index (GRI) analyzes factors affecting retirement security and ranks 44 countries based on its research. The United States was ranked the 22nd best country to retire in 2024. Switzerland ranked first based on four criteria, including quality of life, health and finances.