Some Finn about you, OAP, we like
Nordic nation top retirement spot
Northern Lights
FINLAND is now officially the place to be if you want to have the time of your later life.
The Nordic country has topped a table of the best places for retirement in Europe – up from second last year and followed by Slovenia.
Spain, which was rated best last year, has slipped to third while the UK limps in at number 25 after slumping from 17th.
Rankings took in the cost of living, crime rates, life expectancy, property prices and population age.
And while Finland – famed for its stunning landscapes, views of the Northern Lights, ice baths and huskies – did not actually come top in any of the five categories, it had the right mix to take the crown.
The nation has one of the lowest crime levels at 23.3 per 1,000 of population. Slovenia has the lowest at 21.1 – while ours is 43.7.
Finland also has one of the highest percentages of over-65s, at 21.6%, and one of the highest life expectancies at an average 81.4. Switzerland is best at 83.6.
Seppo Toivonen, 75, is a retired broadcaster who lives with wife Leena in capital Helsinki.
He said: “The nature is beautiful. I like to enjoy the simple things like walking and gardening, picking berries. The welfare system is good, we get a decent pension.
“We have to pay for healthcare but it is a nominal amount.”
John Westwood, of Blacktower Financial Management, which did the rankings, said: “Finding the perfect location to live out your
Traditional ice bath
Finnish huskies golden years has never been easier now we rank European countries. Finland has plenty to offer.”
The Ukraine came bottom of the list of 37 countries – although it does have the lowest cost of living.
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