How Does It Compare Globally?

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.

Key Takeaways

The Natixis Global Retirement Index (GRI) analyzes various factors affecting retirement security.
The United States was ranked the 22nd best country to retire in 2024.
GRI ranks retirement security into four main groups: financial well-being of older residents, financial well-being of retirees, quality of life and health.

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.

Source: 2024 Natixis Global Retirement Index

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.

Important

In 2023, the BRICS bloc agreed to accept Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates.

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

Lauterbrunnen, Bern, Switzerland.

Arthur Debate / Getty Images

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.

What are the Economic Threats to Retirement According to GRI?

According to GRI, as of 2024, inflation-related costs, increasing interest rates with market volatility, extended life or old-age health costs are among the factors that negatively affect retirement.

How Does Inflation Affect Retirees?

Rapidly rising costs can pose a significant threat to retirees’ financial security by eroding purchasing power.

What is Natixis Investor Insight Center?

The Natixis Investor Insight Center is a global research initiative examining the behavior, market trends and risk perceptions of institutional investors, financial professionals and individuals.

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.