U.S. News & World Report Releases Ranking of Best States for Aging

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Colorado is the Best State for Aging, according to U.S. News & World Report, the global rankings authority. The new ranking is part of a package evaluating how states address and prioritize the needs of older populations, finding that the best communities for older Americans are dispersed throughout the country.

Colorado takes the top spot on the list for its high quality nursing homes and healthy senior citizen population. Maine is in second place and Hawaii in third because of their strong Medicare programs and the high life expectancy of their residents. Iowa and South Dakota round out the top five.

"As lifespans lengthen and the baby-boomer generation enters their golden years, communities are figuring out how to address the emergence of a larger elderly population," said Tim Smart, executive editor at U.S. News. "In keeping with our mission of providing transparency for the benefit of state leaders, business and citizens, U.S. News has determined how well states are serving this growing population."

In addition to the ranking, U.S. News' "Aging in America" package includes:

• A story by Casey Leins and Gaby Galvin on why Colorado is the best state for aging, with an interview with Gov. John Hickenlooper.  
  
  
•  Andrew Soergel's story about how states will need to adapt their budgets to the needs of older members of their communities, who are living and working longer than in the past.
  
  
• Leins' look at a vibrant retirement community in Florida that helps its residents to enjoy a youthful lifestyle.
  
  
• Galvin's analysis of how new technology has changed the way senior citizens receive care and interact with the world.
  
  
• Katelyn Newman's story on the relationship between aging and mental health, as more elderly individuals – especially women – are living alone.

U.S. News evaluated all 50 states across 12 metrics to determine these rankings, using data from sources such as the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Factors included life expectancy, quality of Medicare programs, cost of care, population health and nursing home quality.

Best States for Aging is part of U.S. News' expanding government rankings portfolio, which includes the Best States and Best Countries platforms that evaluate how governments best serve their citizens. Best States feature analysis, data and charts on trends, developments and news throughout the states, while Best Countries measures how nations drive trade, investment and social progress.

For more information, visit the Best States platform and explore U.S. News & World Report on Facebook and Twitter.

About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is a global digital news and information company that empowers people to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives. Focusing on Education, Health, Personal Finance, Travel, Cars and News & Opinion, USNews.com provides consumer advice, rankings, news and analysis to serve people making complex decisions throughout all stages of life. More than 30 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

SOURCE U.S. News & World Report

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