UN report: Danish elderly in poor health

Far-left party Enhedslisten wants a billion kroner to hire 3,000 elderly assistants as a concession for supporting the 2014 government budget

Despite the reputation of its welfare state, Denmark is far from the best place in the world to grow old.

Of the 90 countries included in the study by AgeWatch and the UN, Denmark is ranked 17th, while neighbours Sweden, Norway and Germany took first, second and third place respectively.

The majority of countries that ranked above Denmark were European, although the US, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and Australia were all also considered better countries for the elderly.

READ MORE: Danes: Eldercare not a family responsibility

The poor health of Denmark’s elderly was singularly responsible for pulling down Denmark’s ranking, with the nation ranking number 40 in the study's health category.

The elderly in many South American countries, such as Venezuela, Columbia, Peru and Ecuador, are all considered healthier than elderly Danes, who rank alongside those in Croatia, Sri Lanka and Paraguay.

Elderly focus in budget negotiations
The report coincides with a resumption of the government’s budget negotiations with far-left party Enhedslisten (EL), which has demanded one billion kroner to improve the living conditions of Denmark’s elderly.

“The elderly are being subject to worsening treatment,” EL spokesperson Johanne Schmidt-Nielsen told Jyllands-Posten newspaper. “It’s simply not a dignified way to treat the people who built our welfare state. We want to halt the trend.”

READ MORE: "Humiliating” adult nappy use

EL wants to hire 3,000 extra home-care assistants with the one billion kroner and promise the elderly four basic rights: fortnightly cleaning, an annual spring cleaning, two baths per week and regular outdoor activity.

The finance minister, Bjarne Corydon (Sociademokraterne), has already expressed his scepticism to the proposal.

“We will have to discuss the proposal during the negotiations but it does not sound realistic given the economic limitations we have for the coming year,” Corydon told Jyllands-Posten.




  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Here Comes The Sun…

    Here Comes The Sun…

    I escaped from Denmark this winter to the south of France, where I was convinced that the sunshine would inspire me to write this year’s Crazy Christmas comedy show.

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.