Traveling Tuesdays: Five Best and Worst States for Senior Health

Do you plan to move after retirement?

Are you planning on moving in your Golden Years? The following ten states, rated best and worst for senior health, may affect your decision!

Best in the Nation

1.Minnesota is the best state for seniors 65 and older. A higher number of seniors participate in dental care. Nearly 70% of Minnesota seniors report they are able-bodied.

2. Hawaii has happy seniors, which increases their life. The low number of smokers and overweight citizens adds to the state’s healthy history.

3. New Hampshire offers quality nursing homes that give good care to residents. Over 90% of residents ages 65 – 74 participate in recommended screening like colonoscopies and mammograms.  

4. Vermont seniors aged 65 and over report very good or excellent health. Healthy people are happy, which lowers mortality rate. Fewer seniors smoke in Vermont.

5. Massachusetts has high participation rates in health screenings and dental visits for seniors which promotes good health. Physical activity is very high.

Worst in the Country

5. Arkansas has one out of every four adults 60 and older facing hunger on a constant basis. Without proper nutrition, the body cannot fight disease.

 4. Oklahoma senior citizens have a low record of physical activity and the most hip fractures in the US.  Hip fractures result in long-term care and consequent depression.

3. Kentucky reports the most inactive seniors in the nation. Illnesses like bacterial pneumonia are ignored until they require hospitalization.

2. Louisiana has the highest number of obese senior citizens in the U.S., leading to diseases like stroke and diabetes.

1. Mississippi’s senior health is worst of all, starting with the most cognitive difficulties and highest percentage of senior poverty. Unhappiness, hunger, and lack of health care are the result.