Report Shows Worst & Best States for Aging in Place

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama—According to new data, compared to the rest of the country Southeastern states are some of the worst states for aging in place despite being popular with retirees. 

Seniorly compiled a list of the best and worst locations for aging in place and put seven Southern states—Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky and Florida—at the bottom. Utah, which has the lowest rate of social isolation, ranked first overall. 

The website, which focuses on senior and aging-in-place topics, said the best states for seniors to remain independent at home make it easier to get around, stay healthy and feel supported, while others lag behind in critical areas like health care access, homecare services and community resources. The website compiled a list of the best and worst states for aging in place based on the following criteria:

• Seniors’ risk of isolation
• Home health care quality
• Home health aid availability
• Emergency care
• Smart home adoption
• Housing costs
• Road safety
• Local walkability
• Food delivery access
• Weather hazards

Overall across the United States, about 43% of seniors live alone, most people wait almost three hours in the emergency room (ER) per visit, and a quarter of older homeowners spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Seniorly took a comprehensive look at which states offer the most and least supportive environments for older adults seeking independence and quality of life in their golden years. 

Key Findings

• Utah ranks first overall. The state has one of the lowest rates of social isolation, with just 35.7% of seniors living alone (No. 3), and leads the nation in smart home adoption – 37% of residents use internet-connected household technology.
• North Dakota, New Jersey, Idaho and Texas round out the top five. North Dakota ranks No. 2 thanks to having the nation’s shortest ER wait times (110 minutes) and the highest level of meal deliveries for older adults, with 11,069 meals provided per 100,000 seniors through the Older Americans Act.
• At No. 3, New Jersey offers some of the highest-quality homecare in the country—31.6% of agencies earn a 4.5 or 5-star rating—and boasts an average walk score of 59 in its largest cities.
• Florida ranks as the worst state for aging in place, primarily due to its limited availability of home health aides—there are 56 seniors per aide, placing it 50th in the nation.

For a full list of where states rank for aging in place, visit seniorly.com.