For the second consecutive year, Vermont ranked as the healthiest state for older adults in the U.S., according to the United Health Foundation’s “America’s Health Rankings 2026 Senior Report.”
The United Health Foundation is a nonprofit founded by UnitedHealth Group. State health rankings are based on 36 measures spanning social and economic factors, physical environment, behaviors, clinical care, and health outcomes.
The early death rate for adults aged 65 to 74 dropped 2% between 2023 and 2024. However, compared to 2019 to 2021, drug deaths were up 38% for older adults in 2022 to 2024. Suicides increased 4% over the same period. Excessive drinking increased 10% for older adults between 2023 and 2024.
The workforce serving older adults has grown in recent years, including home healthcare workers and geriatric clinicians.
Healthiest states:
1. Vermont
2. Utah
3. New Hampshire
4. Minnesota
5. Colorado
6. Massachusetts
7. Washington
8. Connecticut
9. Maryland
10. Hawaii
Unhealthiest states:
41. Missouri
42. New Mexico
43. Tennessee
44. Alabama
45. Oklahoma
46. West Virginia
47. Arkansas
48. Kentucky
49. Mississippi
50. Louisiana
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