Latest news with #Caring.com
USA Today
22-06-2025
- Health
- USA Today
These are the best – and cheapest – states for seniors living alone
More than one quarter of seniors live alone, according to Census data. And living solo can present financial perils for Americans of any age. A new report from the senior care platform ranks the best states for over-65 Americans who live alone. The report assigned a 1-10 score to each state, based on more than a dozen qualities, including overall living costs, housing costs, grocery costs, transportation costs, healthcare costs and availability, and the proximity of other seniors. 'Living alone can be a challenge for older people, from increased safety concerns to the toll on their mental health,' the report states. Here's what the analysis found. These neighboring states rank 1-2-3 for solo senior living Three middle-of-America states, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas, rank first, second and third for solo senior living in the report. Arkansas, with a rating of 8.57 out of 10, has one of the lowest cost-of-living scores in the nation, with affordable housing and low property taxes. It ranks high for affordable transportation and available nursing facilities. Missouri (8.09 out of 10) ranks high for health care affordability and quality. The state also ranks high on assisted living, with 97.5 communities per 100,000 senior residents. Kansas (7.98) ranks favorably for overall cost of living and has some of the nation's lowest grocery prices. It also has the second-highest proportion of nursing facilities, 62.7 per 100,000 seniors. Arkansas also ranks 1st in affordability for solo seniors Arkansas is not just the 'best' state for solo seniors, but also the most affordable, the analysis found. Arkansas has the lowest health care costs among states, as well as low grocery prices and affordable rents. A one-bedroom apartment averages $701 a month. Missouri ranks second for senior affordability, with low rents and transportation costs. Oklahoma ranks third in affordability. The analysis includes data from GOBankingRates, whose calculations found Oklahoma one of the most affordable states for retirees. Maine ranks 1st for highest proportion of seniors Seniors can face loneliness and isolation, especially when they live alone. But not, perhaps, in Maine. The state has the highest proportion of seniors, compared with other states: 22.9%, according to Missouri ranks 1st for cheap rent Seniors often live on fixed incomes. Lower housing costs can help make ends meet. Missouri has the nation's most affordable rents for one-bedroom apartments, with an average of $677 a month. Pro tip: St. Louis is more affordable than Kansas City, with rents averaging about $200 lower. Iowa ranks 1st for availability of nursing facilities With a relatively low over-65 population, Iowa ranks first among states for its proportion of nursing facilities, 71 per 100,000 seniors. More nursing facilities potentially means shorter wait times for Iowans who need nursing care. Alaska ranks 1st for availability of assisted living Alaska, too, has relatively few seniors. The state also has the highest proportion of assisted living communities, a whopping 698 per 100,000 over-65 residents. Missouri has the least expensive assisted living The costs of long-term care can be eye-popping. An assisted living facility charges $5,350 a month, on average, according to T. Rowe Price. Missouri has the lowest annual costs for assisted living, averaging just over $40,000, according to The state's low cost of living reduces operating costs for assisted living facilities. West Virginia ranks 1st on 'comfortable' retirement Getting back to GOBankingRates: The personal finance site analyzed every state for annual retirement costs and found West Virginia the most affordable in its 2024 report, with an annual tab of $58,190. The report factored into the ranking. What are the worst states for solo retirement living? While the report doesn't rank the least desirable states for seniors who live alone, the analysis provides a heat map that gives a good idea of which states a cost-conscious senior might want to avoid. Not surprisingly, the 'worst' and least affordable states for solo seniors tend to fall on the East and West coasts. California and Massachusetts have some of the lowest overall scores. The same states rank poorly on affordability. More on affordable states for retirees Seniors who are looking for a good place to retire may also want to consult GOBankingRates, whose analysts have run the numbers many times on affordable states for retirees. In one recent analysis, the site calculated how long a nest egg of $1.5 million would last for a retiree in every state. That report identified five most affordable states for retirees: West Virginia, where $1.5 million will last 54 years; Kansas (52 years); Mississippi (51 years); Oklahoma (also 51 years); and Alabama (50 years). California and Massachusetts ranked among the priciest states for retirees in the report, along with New York, Alaska and Hawaii.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mississippi 5th most affordable state for single seniors: report
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – If you are facing retirement as a golden bachelor or bachelorette, a recent report reveals that Mississippi may be an economical place to live. About 27% of people over the age of 65 are living alone nationally, and this trend is set to continue. This is largely due to an aging population, where 22% of Americans will likely be 65 or older by 2040. Living alone at that age presents challenges, but financially, older Americans will be financially comfortable in Mississippi. found that the state is the fifth most affordable for seniors living alone nationally. Earn less than $200K? Your family can afford to live comfortably in Mississippi, report finds This conclusion is not unique to the website. A DepositAccounts report found that Mississippi is the third most affordable state to retire in nationwide. The state's approximately $34,566 in annual costs for retirees is slightly lower than the state's projected annual cost of living. However, if single living turns into assisted living, costs skyrocket for older residents. A 2024 report found that Mississippi is the second most expensive state in the South to live in an assisted living facility. Health outcomes are also a major concern for many. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the national life expectancy beyond 65 is 18.5 years. In Mississippi, that time is roughly 13% shorter at 16.1 years. That is the shortest life expectancy beyond 65 nationally. According to the Mississippi Development Authority, there are 13 certified retirement communities in the state. Brandon, Madison and Vicksburg are also on the list. To find out more about each, click here. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This U.S. State Was Just Named the Happiest for Retirees
According to a new study, there's one state in particular that has nailed the recipe for happiness. And it's the perfect place for seniors looking to live out their golden years. In late May, released its Senior Happiness Index to determine which places around the U.S. offer the highest chances of finding happiness for older people. To determine the ranking, the team analyzed a number of factors, including the number of senior centers in each state using and normalized the data per 100,000 people. It then determined the percentage of seniors (65 years and older) living alone, which was collected via the U.S. Census American Community Survey (2023), along with an overall senior health ranking taken from America's Health Rankings 2024 Senior Report. Next, it calculated the cost of living index by state using data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, along with the average annual life expectancy at birth from the National Vital Statistics System. Then, it gathered data on the happiest states in the U.S. using a 2024 study by WalletHub and finally assigned each state a score from zero to 10. After looking at all that information, the team named Utah the happiest state of all for seniors. "Utah tops the list with the most content seniors, scoring 7.69 out of 10 thanks to its supportive environment for senior living," the findings noted." Utah was also named the healthiest state for older people in 2024, and it ranks as the third-lowest percentage of those aged 65 and over living alone (21.48 percent), reducing the risk of social isolation." The findings also noted that Utah is among the top five happiest states in general and is a spot where more than two-fifths (44 percent) actively volunteer, which is the highest rate in the nation. "This not only means Utah's aging population is staying connected and involved with their community, but volunteering also contributes significantly to Utah seniors' well-being and happiness," the findings added. Idaho came in a close second with a score of 7.38, thanks to most of its seniors living with others, ensuring fewer people are experiencing loneliness. And as the findings stated, it's a fantastic spot for seniors looking to live an active lifestyle with "30 state parks to explore and proximity to national treasures like Yellowstone." Rounding out the top three is Connecticut, with a score of 7.01, thanks to its strong statistics, including the third-highest average life expectancy, access to health care, and its ranking among the top 10 happiest states overall on WalletHub's rankings. Ready to find more happiness? See the full report and where your state ranks on Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
New York Post
31-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Senior citizens are happiest living in these US states, study says
Where you live can have a big impact on your mental health. Particularly for seniors, it's important to settle down in a location that promotes happiness. Older adults face a higher risk of mental health problems due to circumstances like the loss of loved ones, loneliness, chronic illness or disability, medications, changes brought on by retirement and other stressors, according to the National Council on Aging. a senior care resource, recently released its Senior Happiness Index, revealing where in the country seniors are happiest based on WalletHub's state happiness roundup. Experts analyzed various factors like happiness levels per state, cost of living, average life expectancy, health rates in residents over 60 and the number of senior centers per state. Below are the results for the top 10 happiest states for seniors. Utah Idaho Connecticut Delaware Nebraska Hawaii New Hampshire Minnesota New Jersey Vermont 4 Factors like happiness levels per state, cost of living, average life expectancy, health rates in residents over 60 and the number of senior centers per state were considered when compiling the top 10 states for seniors to live. Gordon Fahey – Utah claimed the No. 1 spot for the most content seniors, with a happiness score of 7.69 out of 10. According to the study, Utah's high rank is due to its 'supportive environment' for senior living, good senior health and the third-lowest percentage (21.48%) of seniors living alone, which reduces the risk of social isolation. The researchers mentioned that more than two-fifths of seniors in Utah volunteer, which is the highest rate in the U.S. Volunteering allows the state's aging population to 'stay connected and involved with their community,' commented, which 'contributes significantly' to well-being and happiness. 4 According to the study, Utah's rank is due to its 'supportive environment' for senior living, good senior health and the third-lowest percentage of seniors living alone. Jason – Idaho followed closely behind, with an overall happiness score of 7.38 out of 10. Less than a quarter of seniors in Idaho live alone, the second-lowest rate in the country, and the state ranks in the top five for senior centers. 'Known for its stunning natural landscapes, Idaho offers seniors plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, promoting both physical and mental well-being,' added. Connecticut and Delaware tied for No. 3, scoring a 7.01 out of 10 on the happiness scale. Connecticut has the third-highest average life expectancy and is among the top 10 states for overall health. 4 Idaho has an overall happiness score of 7.38 out of 10. Jeremy – Only 7.2% of Connecticut residents lack health insurance, which ensures access to necessary medical services for the aging population. Connecticut also offers a variety of discounted cultural and immersive experiences for seniors, such as museums, parks, libraries and arts events. According to Delaware is regarded as one of the 'happiest and most supportive states for later life.' The state ranks in the top 10 for overall senior health and happiness, and in the top five for the lowest percentage of people living alone. 4 Only 7.2% of Connecticut residents lack health insurance, ensuring access to necessary medical services for seniors. travelview – considered Delaware's cost of living index 'relatively affordable,' which can help residents maintain a 'comfortable and independent lifestyle.' Other states stood out in these categories, including North Dakota for the most senior centers per 100,000 population and West Virginia for the most affordable cost of living. Hawaii has the lowest percentage of seniors over 65 years old living alone, the highest average life expectancy and the highest senior state of happiness.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Study reveals 10 happiest states for seniors: Did yours make the list?
Where you live can have a big impact on your mental health. Particularly for seniors, it's important to settle down in a location that promotes happiness. Older adults face a higher risk of mental health problems due to circumstances like the loss of loved ones, loneliness, chronic illness or disability, medications, changes brought on by retirement and other stressors, according to the National Council on Aging. 'Happiest' Us Cities Revealed: See Where Yours Ranks a senior care resource, recently released its Senior Happiness Index, revealing where in the country seniors are happiest based on WalletHub's state happiness roundup. Experts analyzed various factors like happiness levels per state, cost of living, average life expectancy, health rates in residents over 60 and the number of senior centers per state. Read On The Fox News App Below are the results for the top 10 happiest states for seniors. Utah Idaho Connecticut Delaware Nebraska Hawaii New Hampshire Minnesota New Jersey Vermont Utah claimed the No. 1 spot for the most content seniors, with a happiness score of 7.69 out of 10. U.s. Happiness Is At An All-time Low, Study Finds: See Which Countries Rank Higher According to the study, Utah's high rank is due to its "supportive environment" for senior living, good senior health and the third-lowest percentage (21.48%) of seniors living alone, which reduces the risk of social isolation. The researchers mentioned that more than two-fifths of seniors in Utah volunteer, which is the highest rate in the U.S. Volunteering allows the state's aging population to "stay connected and involved with their community," commented, which "contributes significantly" to well-being and happiness. Best And Worst Us States To Drive In: See Where Yours Ranks On The List Idaho followed closely behind, with an overall happiness score of 7.38 out of 10. Less than a quarter of seniors in Idaho live alone, the second-lowest rate in the country, and the state ranks in the top five for senior centers. "Known for its stunning natural landscapes, Idaho offers seniors plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, promoting both physical and mental well-being," added. Connecticut and Delaware tied for No. 3, scoring a 7.01 out of 10 on the happiness scale. Connecticut has the third-highest average life expectancy and is among the top 10 states for overall health. Only 7.2% of Connecticut residents lack health insurance, which ensures access to necessary medical services for the aging population. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter Connecticut also offers a variety of discounted cultural and immersive experiences for seniors, such as museums, parks, libraries and arts events. According to Delaware is regarded as one of the "happiest and most supportive states for later life." The state ranks in the top 10 for overall senior health and happiness, and in the top five for the lowest percentage of people living alone. considered Delaware's cost of living index "relatively affordable," which can help residents maintain a "comfortable and independent lifestyle." For more Health articles, visit Other states stood out in these categories, including North Dakota for the most senior centers per 100,000 population and West Virginia for the most affordable cost of living. Hawaii has the lowest percentage of seniors over 65 years old living alone, the highest average life expectancy and the highest senior state of article source: Study reveals 10 happiest states for seniors: Did yours make the list?
