Australia has long held its place as one of the world’s top retirement destinations. From beautiful coastlines and laid-back living to strong healthcare and community support, it’s easy to see why many dream of spending their golden years here. But according to new research, not all corners of the country are created equal when it comes to ageing well.
A fresh study from care management software provider ShiftCare has shone a spotlight on where older Australians can expect the best and worst retirement experiences. Analysing 22 lifestyle and care-related factors, including aged care access, healthcare infrastructure, safety, walkability, and community engagement, the study reveals the most senior-friendly spots across the nation.
Victoria Takes the Top Spot
Victoria has emerged as the standout state for retirement, earning a flawless 100 on ShiftCare’s ‘Quality of Life’ index. The southern state outperforms others thanks to a winning combination of excellent aged care services, high home care accessibility, strong community networks, and robust healthcare infrastructure.
“Victoria has earned its place as the best state to grow old in Australia, thanks to strides made in the improvement of its aged care services but also because of the quality of life it offers to seniors compared to other localities analysed in the study,” said Mat Cagney, CEO of ShiftCare.
“With high home care accessibility, robust healthcare infrastructure, and a strong sense of community, Victoria stands as a beacon for aging well. Its commitment to providing the right care, combined with a walkable environment and thriving social networks, ensures that seniors can truly enjoy their later years with comfort, security, and connection.”
The state is home to the most residential aged care home providers (294), the second-highest number of residential care homes (768), and a generous share of government funding, exceeding $5 billion. With the lowest crime rate in the country and excellent walkability, it’s no wonder Victoria stands out as a retirement paradise.
The Northern Territory: A Tough Place to Retire
At the other end of the scale, the Northern Territory was ranked the least suitable place to grow old, scoring just 50 out of 100 on the index. The state recorded the lowest aged care quality score (9.90), limited access to residential and home care services, and the least government funding per provider for home care.
Healthcare availability is also a concern, with the Northern Territory seeing the lowest distribution of general practitioners for people aged 65 and over. Combined with the country’s highest crime rate, these figures paint a sobering picture for retirees in the region.
“The study also highlights areas such as Queensland, Southern Australia and Northern Territory which still have a long way to go in improving their care systems for the elderly,” added Cagney.
Other States in the Spotlight
While Victoria holds the crown, other regions also performed well. The Australian Capital Territory ranked second, impressing with its healthcare access and community engagement, even in the face of lower government funding. New South Wales followed closely, boasting the highest number of home care providers and excellent social engagement opportunities for older residents.
Queensland and South Australia, however, trailed behind due to lower healthcare availability and underdeveloped social infrastructure.
A Global Wake-Up Call
While Australia enjoys a global reputation as a top-tier retirement destination, ShiftCare’s findings offer a reminder that not all older Australians are experiencing retirement equally. Regional disparities in care, safety and support are affecting where and how well seniors live in their later years.
As ageing populations grow around the world, the research also provides valuable insights for policymakers and care providers alike, highlighting the importance of regional investment and forward-thinking planning to support the well-being of older citizens, no matter where they choose to settle down.
