A record 4.2 million Americans are expected to turn 65 this year – and nearly 75% want to remain home as they age, increasing the risk of medical complications and social isolation.
Seniorly released a study on the Safest and Most Dangerous States for Aging in Place after analyzing data from the CDC, CMS, Census Bureau, and HUD.
Ten key factors were analyzed in all 50 states and D.C. including home health aides, ER wait times, weather safety, smart homes, fatal car crashes, and financial security.
Despite its reputation as a retirement destination, Florida is the No. 1 most dangerous state for ‘Aging in Place’ and Utah is the No. 1 safest. The 10 safest states were largely in the West and Midwest. The 10 most dangerous states were largely in the Southeast.
Key Findings:
- Missouri No. 16 Most Dangerous State:Among the key findings, Missouri reported 25.2 fatal crashes involving seniors for every 100,000 drivers (No. 48), the biggest cities have an Average Walk Score of 30 (tied for 39th) and 44.3% of seniors live alone (No. 37).
- Florida No. 1 Most Dangerous State: 2 worst home health aid availability (56 seniors per home health aide), and poor weather safety due to hurricanes and 53 inches of annual precipitation.
- 10 Safest States:Tended to have safer weather, greater smart home adoption and shorter ER visits: Utah, North Dakota, New Jersey, Idaho, Texas, Nebraska, California, New Mexico, Kansas, and Washington.
- 10 Most Dangerous States:Tended to score poorly on home health aide availability, smart home adoption, and fatal car crashes: Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Vermont, Oklahoma, and Hawaii.
You can view the full national rankings and methodology here: https://www.seniorly.com/resource-center/seniorly-news/best-and-worst-states-for-aging-in-place