The Top 5 Places to Grow Old

There are approximately 80 million baby boomers in the United States that are nearing senior citizen status.  According to The Milken Institute, aging Americans want to remain healthy, active, and engaged, and want to be contributing members of society.   With this in mind, leaders across the United States are developing solutions that will enable successful aging which will help seniors to feel younger. Senior sensitive civic projects are being developed to improve the lives of the aging population.

Businesses are trying to capitalize on this demographic by changing their approach to offer senior-friendly healthcare, housing, transportation, education, career and engagement opportunities, technology, social networks, travel, leisure and entertainment. The Milken Institute developed the first Best Cities for Successful Aging index which measured, compared and ranked the performance of multiple cities in the US in their effort to promote and develop programs for successful aging.

What is Successful Aging?

The Milken Institute defined successful aging in America as:

1. Wanting to live in places that are safe, affordable and comfortable

2. Wanting to be happy and healthy

3. Wanting to be financially secure and be a part of an economy that allows for opportunity and entrepreneurship

RELATED READING: Blurry and Poor Vision Not Caused by Aging

4. Wanting access to convenient transportation systems

5. Wanting to be respected for wisdom and experience; to be physically, intellectually and culturally enriched; to be connected to family, friends and the community.

The Milken Institute used these factors, among others, to determine the list of Best Cities for Successful Aging.  Successful aging ultimately leads to living enriched, healthier, lives which help seniors to feel younger.  Seniors that are looking to feel younger may consider moving to one of these cities to live a happier life as they age.

The Top 5 Major US Cities for Aging

Provo-Orem, UT – over the past decade more aging Americans are moving to this city. There is a

low incidence of chronic disease due to healthy lifestyles and a focus on wellness in this city which helps residents feel younger.  The Milken Institute states that Provo is a great location for seniors that want to age in place, because of safety, security, high community engagement, quality health care, healthy lifestyle options and opportunities for second careers and entrepreneurship.

Madison, WI – there is a lot of innovation and intellectual stimulation in Madison. Madison boasts quality healthcare, and cultural events. Madison is also located close to Chicago which gives residents access to numerous amenities and services.

Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA – this is a financially stable and low-cost environment which is evident from the existence of five Fortune 500 companies. The city is becoming a healthcare hub for the surrounding area.  It is also becoming a popular place to hold conferences which furthers the economic stability of this area.

Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH – many opportunities for education and re-training exist in this area (there are over 100 colleges and universities in the Greater Boston Area).   The Greater Boston Area is full of theatres, historic venues, lectures, and music venues which offer a rich cultural experience to residents.

New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA – two of the top 20 hospitals in the US are in this area which provide access to excellent healthcare. The cost of living is high, which may have an impact on the aging population but if you can afford to live here there are many amenities available which will help you to feel younger.