A comprehensive new study by the wellness experts at CellaMD identified the top U.S. states offering the best environment for a pro-aging lifestyle, with California taking the top spot. The research analyzed a wide range of factors, including access to mental health providers, total number of hospitals and urgent care centers, air quality index scores, percentage of state covered in state and national parks, state stress and sleep deprivation scores, and overall life expectancy.
“Our goal was to look beyond superficial metrics to really understand what makes a location conducive to a long, healthy, and vibrant life,” says an expert from CellaMD. “We considered everything from the air you breathe and the number of hospitals near you to your access to fresh food and opportunities for exercise.”
Top 10 States for a Pro-Aging Lifestyle
1. California: California claimed the top spot with an impressive overall score of 7.72. The state’s health-conscious culture reflects access to farmers markets and the proximity of hospitals and urgent care centers, providing residents with abundant resources for both nutritional health and medical care. While air quality and stress rankings are low compared to other top states, the state remains an excellent one to live in for an pro-aging lifestyle.
2. Massachusetts: With an overall score of 6.61, Massachusetts excels in providing a supportive environment for mental and physical health. The state secured top marks for its high number of mental health providers and strong life-expectancy rates, highlighting a robust public health infrastructure.
3. Minnesota: Ranking third with a score of 6.24, Minnesota stands out for its environmental quality and stress management resources. The state achieved top scores in AQI (Air Quality Index) and its low stress score, making it a great place for those who prioritize clean air and a relaxed pace of life.
4. New Jersey: New Jersey, with an overall score of 6.22, demonstrates a strong commitment to both mental and physical wellness. The state’s high rankings in mental health providers indicate that residents have both the infrastructure for a healthy lifestyle and the support needed for a healthy mind.
5. Connecticut: Scoring 6.21, Connecticut tucks in right behind New Jersey with an exceptional life expectancy rate and a strong network of mental health providers, Connecticut points to a state benefiting from comprehensive and accessible health services.
6. Colorado: With an overall score of 6.06, Colorado consistently remains a haven for those who prioritize outdoor living and their mental wellbeing. The state’s high ranking in the number of mental health providers and excellent air quality make it a prime location for an active, healthy, and low-stress lifestyle.
7. New York: Earning a score of 6.05, New York City and its surrounding areas are renowned for their bustling environments. The state’s top-tier score for its high number of mental health providers suggests a dynamic lifestyle with ample opportunities for exercise and mental support.
8. Washington: With a score of 5.79, Washington offers an excellent combination of environmental quality and long-term health. The state’s strong performance in both air quality and life expectancy demonstrates a dedication to fostering an environment where residents can thrive for many years.
9. Oregon: Oregon is also tied with Washington state at 5.79. The state’s exceptional performance in mental health providers and its high percentage of land covered by state and national parks provides a unique blend of psychological support and access to nature, vital for a balanced life.
10. Vermont: Vermont rounds out the top 10 with a score of 5.66. The state’s pristine environment and robust mental health resources are key to its success. Vermont’s high scores in air quality and a vast number of mental health providers make it a serene and supportive place for a pro-aging lifestyle.
A Look at the Bottom: The State with the Least Ideal Environment for Pro-Aging
50. Mississippi: Ranking 50th with an overall score of 2.6, Mississippi faces significant challenges in providing an environment conducive to a pro-aging lifestyle. While the state performs moderately well in its air quality, its low rankings in other areas are a major concern. The data shows Mississippi scored a one out of 10 in both life expectancy and the percentage of land covered in state and national parks, highlighting significant disadvantages in both public health outcomes and access to restorative natural environments. This combination of factors negatively impacts the overall wellbeing of Mississippi and contributed to its final ranking.
Methodology
To determine the state with the best pro-aging lifestyle, data is gathered for each of the specified metrics for all states. Each metric is independently scaled to a 1-10 range. This ensures that all metrics contribute equally to the final score, regardless of their original units or scale.
The formula used is a min-max scaling, which is a common method for normalizing data.
Some metrics are inversely related to the desired outcome (e.g., a higher AQI or stress score is worse). For these metrics, the scaled score is inverted so that a lower original value results in a higher standardized score.
Understanding the Metrics
The ranking is based on a diverse set of metrics, each normalized on a scale of 1 to 10 to allow for direct comparison between states.
Key metrics include:
* Public Lands (USFS): A state-by-state breakdown of land managed by the U.S. Forest Service per state resident, reflecting local access to natural spaces.
* Total Percent of State Covered in State and National Parks: The percentage of a state’s total area dedicated to public parks.
* Farmers Markets: The number of farmers’ markets available per capita, indicating access to fresh, local produce and food.
* Total Hospitals and Urgent Care: Exact number of hospitals per state, reflecting local access to medical care.
* Life Expectancy: The average life expectancy of residents in the state.
* Mental Health Providers: The number of mental health professionals per capita.
* AQI (Air Quality Index): A measure of the state’s air quality.
* Stress Score: Scores sourced from WalletHub. Reflects the average stress levels of the state’s population as they relate to work, money, family, and health and safety.
* Sleep Deprived Adults: Adults in the state who report getting insufficient sleep.
Sources include the Urgent Care Association, AirNow, WalletHub, U.S. News & World Report, USDA Local Food Portal, USAFacts, Safeguard Surfacing, and the Natural Resources Council of Maine.
