Best States for Aging? CT Ranks #18, Study Shows

Connecticut’ senior citizen population ranks 7^th in the nation, but the state places at number 18 in an analysis of the nation’s “best states for aging.” As baby boomers move into their elder years, the nation's population – and Connecticut’s - is aging quickly. By 2050, the older adult population is expected to almost double to more than 87 million from 43 million in 2012, U.S. News points in an article highlighting the analysis, which was developed for the magazine by McKinsey & Company.

The Best States for Aging ranking determines which states are most effectively serving their senior citizens by keeping them healthy, financially secure and involved in their communities. States are scored relative to each other in 12 factors that average into one overall score.

The top 10 states were Colorado, Maine, Hawaii, iowa, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Vermont, New Hampshire and Florida.  Massachusetts ranked #12, and Rhode Island was #21.

Among the categories, Connecticut ranked first in "able-bodies", fourth in life expectancy and primary care, 44^th in cost-of-living and 49^th in cost of care.

Between 2010 and 2030, Connecticut's population of adults age 65 and older will increase by 57 percent, the state’s Legislative Commission on Aging testified in 2016. At least 20% of almost every town's population in Connecticut will be 65 years of age or older by 2025, with some towns exceeding. 40 percent, officials said.  The state has the 3rd longest-lived constituency and is home to more than 1 million baby boomers.

Data sources include: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Kaiser Family Foundation, Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, United Health Foundation.