Estimates suggest that by 2050, the number of Americans age 65 and older will have doubled, making the focus on healthy behaviors and community support for an aging population crucial, according to a recent United Health Foundation report.
Overall, the 2015 edition of United Health Foundation's America's Health Rankings Senior Report shows improvements in preventable hospitalizations, use of end-of-life care, flu vaccinations and overall health. Still, roughly a one-third of seniors in 2015 did not get enough physical activity.
Looking at a wide range of issues that affect senior health — including, but not limited to, obesity rates, access to hospice care, physical inactivity, mental health, hip fractures, chronic drinking and flu vaccination rates — the report ranked the following states the top five healthiest states for older adults.
1. Vermont
2. New Hampshire
3. Minnesota
4. Hawaii
5. Utah
The five least healthiest states for seniors are:
1. Louisiana
2. Mississippi
3. Kentucky
4. Arkansas
5. Oklahoma
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