New York Named One of the Best States in America to Grow Old In

If you're planning to retire in New York someday, there's some good news. A new national study says the Empire State is one of the five best places in America to grow old.

The study, conducted by healthcare staffing company Nursa, ranked New York among the top five states in the country for aging well. Researchers looked at everything from life expectancy and healthcare access to nursing home quality, walkability, air quality, and more.

New York Ranks Among the Nation's Best

According to the study, New York finished fifth overall, trailing only Hawaii, California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.

Welcome to New York Sign

To find the best states, researchers looked at several factors, including the number of residents age 75 and older, hospital beds per 10,000 people, nurse shortages, the number and quality of nursing homes, monthly nursing home costs, life expectancy, air quality, sunlight exposure, and walkability.

The Empire State stood out in several key categories.

New Yorkers have the fourth-longest life expectancy in the country at 79.5 years. The state also has the third-most nursing home beds in the nation, with 111,620, helping provide access to long-term care for older residents.

Another big plus? New York ranked as the fifth-most walkable state in America, earning a walkability score of 6.8 out of 10, making it easier for older adults to stay active and maintain their independence.

Hawaii Takes the Top Spot

Hawaii earned the No. 1 ranking with a score of 8.56 out of 10. Researchers pointed to the state's nation-leading 80-year life expectancy, large senior population, and abundance of outdoor activities that help keep residents active and healthy.

United States Map

The top five states for aging well are:

1. Hawaii
2. California
3. New Jersey
4. Massachusetts
5. New York

Worst States to Grow Old In

At the other end of the rankings, Mississippi was named the worst state to grow old in, earning a score of 5.55 out of 10. Researchers cited the state's lower life expectancy, poor walkability, and below-average nursing home ratings as some of the biggest reasons.

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The five lowest-ranked states are:

• Mississippi
• Oklahoma
• New Mexico
• Georgia
• Michigan

While every state has its pros and cons, this latest study suggests New York continues to be one of the best places in the country to age, thanks to longer life expectancy, strong healthcare resources, and communities that make it easier for older adults to stay active.