This U.S. State Was Just Named the Happiest for Retirees
According to a new study, there's one state in particular that has nailed the recipe for happiness. And it's the perfect place for seniors looking to live out their golden years.
In late May, Caring.com released its Senior Happiness Index to determine which places around the U.S. offer the highest chances of finding happiness for older people. To determine the ranking, the team analyzed a number of factors, including the number of senior centers in each state using SeniorCenters.com, and normalized the data per 100,000 people. It then determined the percentage of seniors (65 years and older) living alone, which was collected via the U.S. Census American Community Survey (2023), along with an overall senior health ranking taken from America's Health Rankings 2024 Senior Report.
Next, it calculated the cost of living index by state using data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, along with the average annual life expectancy at birth from the National Vital Statistics System. Then, it gathered data on the happiest states in the U.S. using a 2024 study by WalletHub and finally assigned each state a score from zero to 10.
After looking at all that information, the team named Utah the happiest state of all for seniors.
"Utah tops the list with the most content seniors, scoring 7.69 out of 10 thanks to its supportive environment for senior living," the findings noted." Utah was also named the healthiest state for older people in 2024, and it ranks as the third-lowest percentage of those aged 65 and over living alone (21.48 percent), reducing the risk of social isolation."
The findings also noted that Utah is among the top five happiest states in general and is a spot where more than two-fifths (44 percent) actively volunteer, which is the highest rate in the nation.
"This not only means Utah's aging population is staying connected and involved with their community, but volunteering also contributes significantly to Utah seniors' well-being and happiness," the findings added.
Idaho came in a close second with a score of 7.38, thanks to most of its seniors living with others, ensuring fewer people are experiencing loneliness. And as the findings stated, it's a fantastic spot for seniors looking to live an active lifestyle with "30 state parks to explore and proximity to national treasures like Yellowstone."
Rounding out the top three is Connecticut, with a score of 7.01, thanks to its strong statistics, including the third-highest average life expectancy, access to health care, and its ranking among the top 10 happiest states overall on WalletHub's rankings.
Ready to find more happiness? See the full report and where your state ranks on caring.com.
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
16 hours ago
- USA Today
These are the best – and cheapest – states for seniors living alone
More than one quarter of seniors live alone, according to Census data. And living solo can present financial perils for Americans of any age. A new report from the senior care platform ranks the best states for over-65 Americans who live alone. The report assigned a 1-10 score to each state, based on more than a dozen qualities, including overall living costs, housing costs, grocery costs, transportation costs, healthcare costs and availability, and the proximity of other seniors. 'Living alone can be a challenge for older people, from increased safety concerns to the toll on their mental health,' the report states. Here's what the analysis found. These neighboring states rank 1-2-3 for solo senior living Three middle-of-America states, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas, rank first, second and third for solo senior living in the report. Arkansas, with a rating of 8.57 out of 10, has one of the lowest cost-of-living scores in the nation, with affordable housing and low property taxes. It ranks high for affordable transportation and available nursing facilities. Missouri (8.09 out of 10) ranks high for health care affordability and quality. The state also ranks high on assisted living, with 97.5 communities per 100,000 senior residents. Kansas (7.98) ranks favorably for overall cost of living and has some of the nation's lowest grocery prices. It also has the second-highest proportion of nursing facilities, 62.7 per 100,000 seniors. Arkansas also ranks 1st in affordability for solo seniors Arkansas is not just the 'best' state for solo seniors, but also the most affordable, the analysis found. Arkansas has the lowest health care costs among states, as well as low grocery prices and affordable rents. A one-bedroom apartment averages $701 a month. Missouri ranks second for senior affordability, with low rents and transportation costs. Oklahoma ranks third in affordability. The analysis includes data from GOBankingRates, whose calculations found Oklahoma one of the most affordable states for retirees. Maine ranks 1st for highest proportion of seniors Seniors can face loneliness and isolation, especially when they live alone. But not, perhaps, in Maine. The state has the highest proportion of seniors, compared with other states: 22.9%, according to Missouri ranks 1st for cheap rent Seniors often live on fixed incomes. Lower housing costs can help make ends meet. Missouri has the nation's most affordable rents for one-bedroom apartments, with an average of $677 a month. Pro tip: St. Louis is more affordable than Kansas City, with rents averaging about $200 lower. Iowa ranks 1st for availability of nursing facilities With a relatively low over-65 population, Iowa ranks first among states for its proportion of nursing facilities, 71 per 100,000 seniors. More nursing facilities potentially means shorter wait times for Iowans who need nursing care. Alaska ranks 1st for availability of assisted living Alaska, too, has relatively few seniors. The state also has the highest proportion of assisted living communities, a whopping 698 per 100,000 over-65 residents. Missouri has the least expensive assisted living The costs of long-term care can be eye-popping. An assisted living facility charges $5,350 a month, on average, according to T. Rowe Price. Missouri has the lowest annual costs for assisted living, averaging just over $40,000, according to The state's low cost of living reduces operating costs for assisted living facilities. West Virginia ranks 1st on 'comfortable' retirement Getting back to GOBankingRates: The personal finance site analyzed every state for annual retirement costs and found West Virginia the most affordable in its 2024 report, with an annual tab of $58,190. The report factored into the ranking. What are the worst states for solo retirement living? While the report doesn't rank the least desirable states for seniors who live alone, the analysis provides a heat map that gives a good idea of which states a cost-conscious senior might want to avoid. Not surprisingly, the 'worst' and least affordable states for solo seniors tend to fall on the East and West coasts. California and Massachusetts have some of the lowest overall scores. The same states rank poorly on affordability. More on affordable states for retirees Seniors who are looking for a good place to retire may also want to consult GOBankingRates, whose analysts have run the numbers many times on affordable states for retirees. In one recent analysis, the site calculated how long a nest egg of $1.5 million would last for a retiree in every state. That report identified five most affordable states for retirees: West Virginia, where $1.5 million will last 54 years; Kansas (52 years); Mississippi (51 years); Oklahoma (also 51 years); and Alabama (50 years). California and Massachusetts ranked among the priciest states for retirees in the report, along with New York, Alaska and Hawaii.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
First-time moms in the US are getting older as new average age is revealed
The average age of new mothers in the U.S. is increasing, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A report from the agency revealed an uptick of nearly a year, rising from 26.6 in 2016 to 27.5 in 2023. 'All racial and ethnic groups saw an increase in mean age at first birth of 0.4 to 1.4 years,' the National Vital Statistics System authors wrote. The system provides the most complete data on births and deaths in the U.S. The results indicate a continual trend over the past several decades, they noted, with the average age jumping or remaining stable every year since 1970. The spike reflects changes in social, political, education and economic factors. More women are working now than ever before and there have been fewer teenaged pregnancies. It's also more expensive than ever to have children. In fact, many people are choosing not to have kids because of that cost and fears over climate change. While the report did not get into regional break downs, it looked at changes by urbanicity. In 2016 to 2023, the same 0.9-year increase was found across large central, large fringe, and medium metropolitan areas. For small metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas, the change was just 0.7 years. 'Mothers living in large fringe or large central metropolitan areas had the highest mean age at first birth (27.6 in 2016 and 28.5 in 2023),' they found. Whereas, those in noncore areas had the lowest average age at first birth, until 25 years old. The report also analyzed the breakdown by race, finding that Asian American mothers had the largest increase in average age, at 1.4 years. They also had the highest average age at first birth in 2016 and 2023, at 30.1 and 31.5 years, respectively. Conversely, American Indian and Alaska Native mothers had the lowest mean age at first birth in 2016 and 2023, at 23.2 and 24.2 years old. 'The increase in the mean age of mothers from 2016 to 2023 is the result of declines in first births to mothers younger than 25 and increases in first births to mothers age 30 and older,' the authors noted. 'The ongoing rise in the age of mothers at first birth reflects changes in childbearing for U.S. families,' the report said.
Newsweek
13-06-2025
- Newsweek
Has Disney World Become Too Expensive?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. In recent years, headlines have frequently highlighted rising prices at Disney World. Social media videos documenting the cost of a day at the parks—often leaving viewers stunned by the total bill—have gone viral, regularly garnering millions of views. As the summer travel season begins, many Americans are finalizing vacation plans. But ongoing economic concerns are having a noticeable impact. A recent WalletHub survey found that 45 percent of Americans say tariffs are affecting their travel plans, while 63 percent cite inflation as a limiting factor. With prices up and financial anxiety high, where does that leave the "most magical place on Earth"? Newsweek spoke with Disney visitors and a business expert to explore how pricing at Disney World in 2025 is influencing vacation decisions. What Is The Cost of a Disney World Vacation? The cost of a Disney World vacation can vary significantly. The park's vast size, seasonal pricing, and optional add-ons mean no two trips cost the same. Visitors must factor in expenses like airfare, transportation, accommodations, park tickets, line-skipping passes, and food. Florida dad Craig Stowell recently went viral after sharing a video on Instagram detailing his family's one-day visit. He reported spending $1,400 for himself, his wife, and their three children—including tickets, parking, meals, snacks, and souvenirs. "I grew up as a Disney kid," Stowell told Newsweek. "My mother took me and my two siblings every year when we came to Florida to visit our grandma. Back then, a day at Disney was much more affordable for a young family with three children." Influencer and content creator Erin Chau shared a similar sentiment. "Definitely more expensive than I anticipated," Chau told Newsweek via email. "Although pricey, I enjoyed every second of the experience and understand that there are high costs to ensure everything runs smoothly." In response to affordability concerns, Disney has launched several promotional offers, including discounted children's tickets, free dining for kids, parking deals, and room packages. What Is the Impact on Customers? "An increasing number of visitors now view Disney vacations as unaffordable, which is likely to reduce visit intentions and return rates," said Dogan Gursoy, Regents Professor and Taco Bell Distinguished Professor in Hospitality Business Management at Washington State University. While Disney's brand still appeals to high-income travelers and first-time visitors, Gursoy said concerns about value are growing—especially among middle-income families. "Price increases are likely reshaping consumer perceptions of the experience, shifting it from a family-friendly tradition to something more akin to a luxury purchase," he told Newsweek. Gursoy explained that the psychological impact of rising costs is intensified by the "reference price" effect, where guests compare current prices to what they remember paying in the past. This can make sharp increases feel unjustified, fueling online backlash. Photo-illustration by Newsweek/Getty Disney is also facing heightened competition. Gursoy noted that Universal's Epic Universe, opening in May 2025, will feature new attractions tied to major franchises, competitive pricing, and aggressive discounts. "SeaWorld is also targeting cost-conscious travelers with deep discounts and bundled deals," he added. "If these competitors deliver strong guest satisfaction, Disney may find its pricing power more limited than expected, especially in a strained economic environment." Gursoy also warned of a potential socioeconomic divide within the parks, as rising costs increasingly price out lower-income families. "Escalating ticket prices and growing fees for conveniences like line-skipping are marginalizing these groups—often forcing them to shorten their stays, stay off-property, or forgo Disney altogether," he said. "This trend threatens to reshape the broader Central Florida tourism economy." Do Customers Still Think Disney World Is Worth It? Despite rising prices, many visitors still see Disney World as worth the cost. According to Disney's most recent earnings call, bookings for the fiscal third quarter of 2025 were up 4 percent year over year, and up 7 percent for the fourth quarter. While Disney doesn't publicly release attendance figures, the 2024 Theme Index report, cited by Magic Guides, shows Magic Kingdom visits rose from 12.7 million in 2021 to 17.7 million in 2023. For some, the expense only enhances the anticipation. "Trips will definitely need to be farther apart, as the price is quite expensive," Chau said. "But it makes saving up for the trip all the more important and exciting because you know you worked hard for it." Stowell, however, has a more skeptical view. "My oldest son just turned 15," he said. "He has his learner's permit and is saving for his first car." "To put it in perspective, one day at Disney for our family of five cost as much as a first car. Which would you rather have: a car or a day at Disney?"
