This U.S. State Was Named Healthiest For Retirees and Elderly Americans

A healthy lifestyle is vital to enjoying a fulfilling and long retirement. And when it comes to senior well-being, Utah leads the way.

United Health Foundation's Senior Report, which analyzes the health and well-being of America's elderly, has ranked the Beehive State No. 1 for the third consecutive year. The study ranks all 50 states for 35 metrics across five categories, including social and economic factors, physical environment, behaviors, clinical care, and health outcomes.

Most notably, Utah stands out with the lowest poverty rate among those 65 and over, or 7.5 percent, compared to the national average of 10.9 percent. The report also points out that excessive drinking and smoking rates are also low among seniors in the state and that early deaths have decreased by seven percent between 2021 and 2022.

The state performs equally well in the social support and engagement category, ranking first for access to high-speed internet, low social isolation risk, and high volunteerism rates. Households with senior adults also have a relatively low housing cost burden and low levels of food insecurity.

Unsurprisingly, with access to so many natural landmarks, five national parks, and at least 15 ski resorts, the percentage of physically inactive retirees is also low — 24 percent versus 31 percent for the nation.

However, the report also reveals that the state faces certain challenges, including a high suicide rate among seniors and a shortage of home health care workers.

You'll find the second healthiest seniors in Colorado, followed by Vermont, New Hampshire, and Minnesota. At the bottom of the list, also for a third consecutive year, is Mississippi, ranking lowest in three categories — social and economic factors (50th), behaviors (49th), and clinical care (50th). The report identifies a high early death rate, high prevalence of food insecurity, and high prevalence of smoking as the most challenging aspects of senior well-being in the Magnolia State.

Nationally, the report concluded that "America's older adults make progress in measures of social connectedness and access to clinical care but struggle with socioeconomic barriers." Overall, the percentage of older Americans living below the poverty line and depression levels increased by six percent.

You can read the full report and its findings on americashealthrankings.org.

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