According to the United States Census Bureau, adults aged 65 and older now comprise more than 15 percent of the total population. By 2030, that number will climb significantly to 20 percent. The growing number of seniors and the corresponding projected growth in the use of clinical and community services will only deepen their impact on the overall health status of the nation.
The 2018 America’s Health Rankings Senior Report provides the latest check-up on the health and well-being of our nation’s seniors. Using 34 measures of senior health, the report highlights successes and challenges this population faces on a national and state-by-state basis. This year’s report highlights two supplemental measures — the suicide rate among seniors as well as a new measure to identify locations where seniors are at higher risk of social isolation.
New Jersey ranked 23rd nationally for health for seniors, down three spots from last year’s report. Strengths include high percentages of diabetes management and high-quality nursing homes, as well as low-prevalence of falls. Challenges include high percentage of ICU use and readmissions, and a high prevalence of physical inactivity.
NJHA President and CEO Cathy Bennett noted that many of the measures reflected social challenges, like housing, jobs and transportation, that play a significant role in health outcomes.
“We must continue to focus, collaboratively, on these social determinants of health,” said Bennett, “but let’s also highlight some of the positives from this report where New Jersey is clearly doing it right, including the high quality of nursing home care in our state and great results in areas like helping seniors manage their diabetes and preventing falls that result in injuries.”
Other findings include:
- Risk factors for social isolation are measured through divorce, separation or widowhood, as well as seniors who never married, are living in poverty, have a disability, have difficulty living independently and live alone.
- Overall, seniors in states that are ranked healthier have a lower risk of social isolation than seniors living in states that face greater health challenges.
- Since the 2014 edition of the Senior Report, the suicide rate among seniors has increased 12 percent to 16.6 deaths per 100,000 aged 65 and older.
- Utah is the new healthiest state for seniors, followed by Hawaii (2), New Hampshire (3), Minnesota (4) and Colorado (5). All these states ranked in the top five in 2017, showing consistency in the healthiest cohort.
- Louisiana ranks as the state with the most challenges for seniors, followed by Mississippi (49), Kentucky (48), Arkansas (47) and Oklahoma (46).
To read the executive summary, visit the America’s Health Rankings website.
