Eating well, staying active, getting enough sleep and having strong relationships is key to a longer and healthier life. Back up this. According to Harvard Health, a balanced diet can reduce the risk of chronic illness by 20-30%, and regular exercise can add anywhere from 3 to 7 years to life expectancy.
Whether you’re 55 or 105 people, your healthcare needs almost always increase with age. Also, finding an environment that promotes happiness and health while providing top-notch health care is a real challenge that is very different from when you were 20 or 30 years old.
We looked at MedicareGuide and Caring.com data to find the best state for the overall senior citizen. How is your state ranked?
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Best Conditions for Retirement Health and Happiness
Minnesota – Northstar is ranked number one in senior health care for its combination of cost, quality, and access to long-term care and support services. The state has a robust network of cutting-edge medical facilities that meet the needs of seniors, including the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. The Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO) program combines many health programs into one comprehensive package for those over 65 years old, and assigns a care coordinator to help seniors manage all their health care needs. Minnesota is also getting higher in terms of cost savings on average monthly premiums.
Honorable mentions – North Dakota, Massachusetts, California, Nebraska, Hawaii.
The best state for the happiness of retirees
Utah – Of all 50 states, Utah is the top of the list with the most satisfied retirees. Beehive has scored high thanks to its supportive environment and low proportion of living alone, reducing the risk of social isolation and anxiety. Utah’s top spots aren’t surprising either. Over 44% of senior state volunteers are at the highest rate in the US.
Honorable mentions – Idaho, Connecticut, Delaware, Nebraska, Hawaii.
Best condition for low cost living for retirees
West Virginia – Mountain State ranks as the best state for living costs with a low cost of living and about 16% lower than the national average. This means older residents can enjoy affordable healthcare costs of around 2.3% more than most other states, while making the most of the state’s low housing and food costs, transportation, taxes and living expenses.
Honorable mentions – Arkansas, Mississippi, West Virginia, South Dakota, Oklahoma.
Best condition for the highest life expectancy for retirees
Hawaii – Aloha is one of the highest life expectancy in the United States, and it’s not surprising. These stunning beaches and warm tropical vibes seem to be something older people love. In addition to that, healthy habits of islanders have recipes for physical and emotional wellbeing that will keep the elderly thriving, such as continuing to be active and accepting outdoors. According to the CDC, a single session of moderate to active physical activity offers almost immediate benefits for health and can prevent many chronic illnesses.
Honorable mentions – Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Minnesota.
The best states for health insurance for retirees
New Hampshire – Based on information from the Kaiser Family Foundation, New Hampshire ranks top for low health insurance costs, with premiums selling for an average monthly fee of $323. (For comparison, premiums average $841 a month in Vermont). What does that mean for the elderly? If you are over 65, insurance is likely to be more common than in your 20s, so it makes sense to narrow down the best insurance at the lowest cost. It also helps reduce anxiety if an unexpected cost arises due to illness.
Honorable mentions: Minnesota, Michigan, Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia.
Overall retirement health rankings are the best
By 2030, the US population ages 65 and over is projected to reach approximately 71.6 million, based on S&P Global estimates. Most seniors need quality healthcare to meet their most basic needs. All states have access to healthcare (most of which are very good), but Caring.com lists these 10 as the best.
Overall senior health rankings
state
1
Yuta
2
Colorado
3
Vermont
4
New Hampshire
5
Minnesota
6
Hawaii
7
Washington
8
Connecticut
9
Delaware
10
Maryland
The final words
Research shows that happiness improves with age, with 88% of people in their 60s and 91% of people over 70s describing themselves as “very happy” or “very happy.” And since happiness and health are usually closely related, it makes sense to live in a state that provides the best of both worlds, and it makes sense to be the best medicine for retirees. “Happiness Test” Your retirement is not a one-time process. Things can change. Therefore, it is important to investigate your ability to withstand stress if things change. As Mark Twain once said, “Wrinkles just show where the smile was.”
