Best States For Older Americans: How MA Measures Up

BOSTON — When it comes to deciding where to live, many older Americans opt to live in a warmer climate or closer to their grandkids. But older Americans should keep in mind that some states are measurably better for living out the golden years.

According to a new ranking by 24/7 Wall St., certain states are better for older Americans to call home when it comes to factors such as income, health care, safe streets, reliable public transportation and more.

Massachusetts is among the best states for older Americans, ranking seventh overall. Neighboring states ranked high as well, with New Hampshire ranked fourth, Connecticut fifth and Vermont ninth.

Using data from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24/7 Wall St. created an index of measures related to income, health, education, environment and access to public transportation in order to identify the best and worst states for older Americans.

Concerning Massacshusetts, the data included these figures:

• Life expectancy at age 65: 84.9 years
• 65 and older poverty rate: 9.1 percent
• 65 and older population with a disability: 31.2 percent
• Median income for 65 and older households: $49,756
• Population 65 and older: 1.1 million, or 16.5 percent

As researchers wrote:

Massachusetts ranks as one of the best states in the country in measures of senior education and health. A higher than average 35% of the state’s 65 and over residents have a bachelor’s degree, which can be tied to empowerment.

Additionally, the state has among the highest life expectancy at 65. This high life expectancy may be partly related to the fact that only 13.3% of retirement-age residents in the state do not have a personal doctor or health care provider, the lowest share nationwide and significantly lower than the national share of 22.8%.

Out of all states, Colorado ranked as the best state for older Americans. According to the ranking, the state has one of the lowest senior poverty rates and one of the smallest shares of 65-and-over residents with a disability, as well as the third lowest annual mortality rate for residents 65 and over.

Here are the top five best states for older Americans:

1. Colorado
2. Maryland
3. Hawaii
4. New Hampshire
5. Connecticut

On the other hand, several states were considered not good fits for older Americans, according to the ranking. At the bottom of the list is West Virginia, followed by Arkansas and Mississippi, respectively.

See more on 24/7 Wall St.’s methodology in determining the best states for older Americans.