New research has crowned Victoria the best state to grow old in Australia, achieving a perfect 100 on the ‘Quality of Life’ index. Meanwhile, the Northern Territory has been revealed as the worst place to retire, scoring just 50 – half of Victoria’s rating.
The study, conducted by leading care organisation software ShiftCare, analysed 22 key factors, including the accessibility and quality of aged, residential and home care, health and safety, community engagement, social opportunities, and walkability. The results were compiled into a bespoke ‘Ageing Well Index’, ranking Australia’s best and worst states and territories for retirees.
Mat Cagney, CEO of ShiftCare.com, commented:
“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. 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 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.”
The Best and Worst Places to Retire in Australia, Ranked
*The Scaled Quality of Life Score normalises the raw score scaled 1-100.
Victoria: The Retirement Capital of Australia
Victoria leads the country in aged and residential care, boasting the highest number of residential aged care home providers (294) and the second-highest residential aged care homes (768). The state benefits from substantial government investment, exceeding $5 billion, and has the joint highest general practitioner (GP) distribution (116 per 100,000 people aged 65+). With Australia’s lowest crime rate and excellent walkability, Victoria sets a global benchmark for senior living.
Northern Territory: The Harsh Realities of Retiring in the Outback
The Northern Territory lags behind the rest of the nation regarding aged care, with the lowest aged care quality score (9.90) of all localities analysed. The same story unfolds when looking at the state of residential and home care. Not only does the state receive the lowest government funding per provider for home care services ($590,975), but it is also home to the lowest volume of residential providers (4) and second lowest number of home care providers (30).
The lack of resources is a common theme in the Northern Territory’s healthcare system. The state has the lowest general practitioner (GP) distribution (82 per 100,000 people aged 65+) and the highest crime rate (163.42 per 1,000 people), making it unsuitable for seniors and retirees.
Aging Well in Australia: Regional Disparities
The study reveals vast differences across Australian states in senior healthcare services, government support, and lifestyle factors:
- ACT ranks second-best, excelling in healthcare and community engagement despite lower government funding.
- New South Wales ranks third, with the highest number of home care providers and strong social engagement opportunities.
- Queensland and South Australia lag behind, with lower quality scores due to limited healthcare access and social infrastructure.
Global Relevance: What Can Other Countries Learn?
While Australia is often ranked among the world’s top retirement destinations, this study underscores the importance of strong regional support systems. As nations worldwide face aging populations, these findings offer valuable insights into the policies and investments needed to ensure equitable retirement experiences.
