According to a recent study, one particular state has the secret recipe for happiness. It’s also the ideal place for seniors who want to enjoy their golden years.
In late May, Caring.com The Senior Happiness Index was released to determine the places in the U.S. that offer the best chances for happiness among older people. The team used a variety of factors to determine the ranking. This included the number of senior centres in each state. SeniorCenters.comNormalized data per 100,000 individuals. The U.S. Census American Community Survey 2023, along with the America’s Health Rankings 2024 senior report, was used to calculate the percentages of seniors (65 and older) who live alone.
Then, the National Vital Statistics System calculated the average annual life expectation at birth and the cost of living index for each state, using data from Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. It then gathered data from WalletHub’s 2024 study on the happiest U.S. states and assigned each one a score between zero and 10.
After reviewing all the information, the team determined that Utah is the state with the highest level of happiness for seniors.
The findings stated that “Utah is the top state for the most satisfied seniors. It scored 7.69 out 10 due to its supportive environment.” Utah was named the healthiest State for Older People in 2024. The state also ranks as having the lowest percentage of people aged 65+ living alone (21.48%), which reduces social isolation.
Utah was also ranked among the five happiest state in the country. More than two-fifths of its residents (44%) actively volunteer. This is the highest rate across the country.
This not only shows that Utah’s seniors are staying involved in their communities, but also volunteering contributes to their happiness and health,” researchers concluded.
Idaho came in a close second With a score 7.38, the majority of seniors in this city live with others. This ensures that fewer people experience loneliness. It’s also a great spot for seniors to enjoy an active life, with 30 state parks and Yellowstone nearby.
Connecticut is ranked third with a 7.01 score, thanks to its high statistics. This includes the state’s average life expectancy ranking as the third highest, its access to healthcare, and its overall ranking in the top 10 happiest States on WalletHub’s rankings.
Want to be happier? Find out where your state ranks in the full report. caring.com.
