California Is the 29th Healthiest State for Seniors, Report Finds
A new United Health Foundation report ranks California and other states on the health of seniors, McClatchy/Biloxi-Gulfport Sun Herald reports.
Details of Report
For the report, the United Health Foundation reviewed 30 health indicators to determine states' performance in providing healthy environments for adults ages 65 and older.
Vermont was named the healthiest state for seniors in the U.S., while Louisiana ranked last (Pugh, McClatchy/Biloxi-Gulfport Sun Herald, 5/19).
California Findings
California ranked 29th overall, down from 18th in 2014.
Compared with last year, California saw a:
- 28% increase in physical inactivity; and
- 16% increase in poor mental health days.
Meanwhile, California this year ranked among the top five states for low obesity rates, with less than 22% of adults ages 65 and older estimated to be obese.
In addition, the report found that in California:
- 93.3% of the population over age 65 reported having a dedicated health care provider;
- 45% of the population over age 65 reported having very good or excellent health; and
- 7.2% of the population over age 65 reported smoking (United Health Foundation report, May 2015).