Switzerland is the best country for senior citizens

Retirees are better off in Switzerland than in any other country, according to the new Global Retirement Index 2024 published on Wednesday. 

It is the only nation on the list to rank in the ‘top 10’ sub-categories: retirement finances, material well-being, health, and quality of life.

This survey comes only a day after Switzerland took the top spot as the World’s Best Country in the US News & World Report.

READ ALSO: The reasons why foreigners want to stay and retire in Switzerland

MPs back a  move to see if foreigners cost the health system more than the Swiss
 
The National Council voted on Wednesday in favour of a motion that would allow patients’ nationality to be collected for statistical purposes. 

“For reasons of transparency, the nationality of insured persons must be considered as a variable to be analysed to examine the benefits payable by health insurance,” said deputy Cyril Aellen from the Radical Liberal party, one of the move’s supporters.

A number of MPs spoke against the proposed measure, however.

“It is an absurd, time-consuming and discriminatory bureaucratic exercise, ” according to Social Democrat Brigitte Crottaz.

“Some MPs want to demonstrate that foreigners cost more to health insurance,” she added. “But nationality is not a significant factor in the field of health, unlike other factors such as age or gender.”

Government creates a new, healthier ‘food pyramid’

Switzerland’s last nutritional guidelines date back to 2011, so  the Federal Food Safety Office (OSAV) and the Swiss Society for Nutrition (SSN) have updated their recommendations on Wednesday. 

“The new nutritional guidelines aim to promote health by prioritising fresh over processed foods,” the government said in a press release, adding that the emphasis is now more “on regional and seasonal products, whole grains. and plant-based protein sources.”

“A balanced diet contributes significantly to the prevention of overweight and obesity. It also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.” 

This is what the new Swiss food pyramid looks like, according to OSAV:

New data confirms worsening housing shortage

The vacancy home rate in Switzerland continues to fall, confirming the shortage of available rental accommodations, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) reported on Wednesday.

As of June 1st, nearly 53,000 vacant homes were available for rent, which represents barely 1.08 percent of the country’s entire housing stock.

This number corresponds to 2,791 fewer dwellings than at the same time in 2023, according to FSO.

This shortage affects six of the seven major regions, with Northwestern Switzerland experiencing the most marked drop  — from 1.22 to 1.06 percent.

At the cantonal level, vacant housing is scarcest in Zug (0.39 percent), followed by Obwalden (0.44 percent) and Geneva (0.46 percent).

If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at news@thelocal.ch