What is your vision of the right place to retire? Is it bright and sunny? Is it somewhere where your dollar buys you more? Many of us have visions of retirement influenced by books or movies but if you actually think about the needs of your senior years there is more than number of sunny days to consider.
The Milken Institute published a report “Best Cities for Successful Aging” where they measured, compared and ranked 359 U.S. cities for their ability to promote and enabling successful aging. To find safe, affordable and comfortable cities they used cost of living, employment and joblessness, income range, crime, alcoholism and weather. For healthy living they examined number of health professionals, hospital beds, long-term hospitals and facilities with geriatric, Alzheimer’s, dialysis, hospice and rehabilitation services. For financial stats they looked at each area’s tax burden, business growth, poverty, and over 65 employment rates. Cost of homeownership and rental housing, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and home health care providers went into the equation. Last but not least transportation availability and cost are considered. This major undertaking created a top list and we will talk about the top three.
Clik here to view.
Provo, Utah Senior Friendly City
The number one city is Provo, Utah! Provo has the most healthy, active lifestyle with low smoking and drinking rates. Walking is encouraged and 5% walk to work. Very few fast food options so healthy choices are more prevalent. They have an abundance of care facilities, health workers, and incredibly high volunteer rates. Culturally Provo is strong with arts and universities open to the public. Crime is low, poverty rate very low and lowest for seniors in the country. Access to transportation is good and fares are reasonable. Provo does have a few negatives; unemployment among those over 65 is high and it is a relatively expensive place to live.
Number two city is Madison, Wisconsin. This capital city earns the number two spot due to a hight number of physicians, surgeons, and nurses with the continuing care and hospitals to match. Medically speaking Madison is #1. Madison excels in culture and recreation with many community centers, libraries and museums. Senior sector employment is growing and poverty rates are low. For negatives, Madison ranks badly for transportation due to access issues and high fares. It is a college town with binge drinking making roads less safe. Finally, housing is expensive for the midwest.
Clik here to view.
Good Life In Omaha For Seniors
Third in line is Omaha, Nebraska earning its spot due to great scores on living arrangements, employment opportunities for 65+, and great healthcare. The university hospital is a hotbed of innovation and state of the art treatments. There are very low jobless rates and the cost of living is very low. Negatives include the weather and low wellness scores due to high rates of drinking, smoking and a generally unfit lifestyle.
These days most seniors want to age in place, meaning they do not want to leave their community family and network. If you don’t happen to live in one of the top cities don’t worry, many city planners are looking at this report and finding ways to improve. With the huge generation moving into retirement every city is looking for ways to create successful aging. Hopefully every city will be a senior friendly city soon.
Access a full list of Senior Friendly Cities
