Today, one in seven Americans are 65 or better, and in 35 years this age group is expected to double. With the rise of diabetes, obesity, and other chronic diseases, Baby Boomers as well as our country’s healthcare system will face even more challenges.
America’s Health Rankings released their Senior Report that takes an in-depth look into the healthcare challenges facing retirees. The report breaks down rankings for all states in categories like hospice care, physical activity, food security, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) that affect the overall health of Baby Boomers in the U.S. Believe it or not, but some states are healthier than others.
1. Vermont
Vermont is at the top of the list as the healthiest state for retirees in the U.S. Its strong points were a low intensive care unit use and 10% decrease in chronic drinking. It also has readily available home-delivered meal programs and high enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These programs help low-income seniors get the proper nutrition by offering them healthy food options while making their budget stretch. Some active adult communities to consider for retirement in Vermont include Wynnmere in Rutland or Balsam Circle in Williston.
2. New Hampshire
New Hampshire has a high healthy status due to its low percentage of seniors living in poverty and its availability of home-delivered meal programs. With obesity rates decreasing at 4% and more flu vaccine coverage increasing at 11%, it’s no wonder why New Hampshire is a great and healthy place for retirees. Baby Boomers should check out affordable 55+ communities like Angle Pond Woods in Hampstead or Black Rocks Village in Fremont.
3. Minnesota
Coming in third place is Minnesota where active adult communities like Four Seasons at Rush Creek and SummerCrest can be found. Minnesota has seen a 6% decrease in obesity as well as a decrease in poverty. It’s also a healthy state because of its high volunteerism rate, low prevalence of food insecurity, and few poor mental health days.
4. Hawaii
Not only is Hawaii a beautiful tropical island but it can also be a retirement paradise for Baby Boomers due to its low rates in obesity, geriatrician shortfall, and hip fractures. This healthy state has a few great 55+ communities like Olaloa in Mililani that offer affordable homes and charming amenities, perfect for the active adult lifestyle.
5. Utah
This mountain state is another great option for Baby Boomers looking to retire in a healthy environment and it offers plenty of active adult communities as well. Utah scored high in volunteerism and availability of home-delivered meals, and ranked low on the prevalence of smoking. Retirees will love calling beautiful Brio in St. George, UT their home.
6. Massachusetts
This New England state is known for more than clam chowder. Massachusetts ranked 6th on the list for having a high percentage of retirees taking care of their dental health. Hip fractures and pain management also decreased by 17% and 22%, respectively. Other stats include high community-support expenditures and a low geriatrician shortfall. Retirees looking to move east should consider Great Island in Plymouth or New England Commons in Webster.
7. Wisconsin
The cheese state made it on the list at number seven because of its low prevalence of falls and food insecurity among seniors. It also has a high percentage of Baby Boomers who have regular dental visits. Chronic drinking decreased by 25% and hip fractures decreased 18%. Wisconsin offers plenty of charming active adult communities for retirees seeking a Midwest lifestyle such as The Villas at Apple Creek in Appleton.
8. Colorado
It’s no wonder Colorado made it on the healthiest state list. With a low presence of obesity and physical inactivity as well as a high health status, retirees can enjoy all of the natural beauty this state has to offer. The Denver area has multiple age-restricted communities including Hilltop at Inspiration in Aurora and Anthem Ranch in Broomfield that provide an active and social environment that’s perfect for Baby Boomers.
9. Oregon
This Pacific Northwest state ranked in the number nine spot for having a high SNAP enrollment and low rates of falls and physical inactivity. In the past year, hip fractures were also less frequent in Oregon. Retirees looking to buy a home in this area should consider King City in Portland where they’ll find a variety of homes and amenities to suit their social lifestyle.
10. Connecticut
Connecticut rounds out the top ten on America’s Health Rankings report. It had a high percentage of dental visits, low percentage of seniors living in poverty, and a low geriatrician shortfall. Another highlight from this report is that pain management decreased by 20% and flu vaccine coverage increased 7% in adults over the age of 65. Connecticut has plenty of charming 55+ communities that are perfect for retirees looking to reside in a quiet setting that’s near medical facilities and daily conveniences like Fieldstone Village in Orange, CT.
