Utah is #1 for Happiness, but Minnesota Wins on Health: 2026’s Surprising Retirement Rankings
Utah tops the list for having the happiest retirees, while Minnesota ranks high for best overall health care. Where does your state rank?
Eating well, staying active, getting enough sleep, and having strong relationships are key to a longer, healthier life. And, studies back this up. A balanced diet can reduce chronic disease risk by 20–30%, according to Harvard Health, and regular exercise can add anywhere from three to seven years to your life.
But, it's safe to say that whether you're 55 or 105, your health care needs will almost always increase as you age, and finding an environment that promotes happiness while also providing top-notch healthcare can be a real challenge, one that is far different from when you were 20 or 30 years old.
We pored through data from MedicareGuide, America's Health Rankings, Healthcare Insider and Caring.com to find the best states for overall senior health and happiness. How does your state rank?
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Best states for retiree health
Minnesota — The North Star State ranks #1 in health care for older people, due to a combination of costs, quality, and access to long-term care and support services. The state has a robust network of state-of-the-art medical facilities that meet the needs of older adults, including the world-famous Mayo Clinic. The Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO) program combines many health programs into one comprehensive package for those 65 and older and assigns care coordinators to help seniors manage all of their health care needs. Minnesota also ranks high in average monthly insurance premium cost savings.
Utah — In Caring's latest survey, Utah ranked #1 with a low prevalence of risky health behaviors among seniors, such as smoking and excessive drinking. Utah is among the top fifteen states for clinical care, indicating that it offers good access to health care services for seniors. Illness can be a top stressor for seniors, with anxiety and depression on Caring's 2025 mental health poll. Therefore, it's no surprise that access to good health care makes seniors happy.
Honorable mentions — North Dakota, Massachusetts, California, Nebraska and Hawaii.
Best state for retiree happiness
Utah — Out of all 50 states, Utah tops the list with the most contented retirees. The Beehive state scores high thanks to its supportive environment and having a low percentage of people 65+ living alone, reducing the risk of social isolation and anxiety. Utah’s top spot also comes as no surprise, as over 44% of seniors in the state volunteer — the highest rate in the U.S.
Honorable mentions — Idaho, Connecticut, Delaware, Nebraska and Hawaii.
Best state for a low cost of living for retirees
West Virginia — The Mountain State is ranked as the best state for a low cost of living, about 16% lower than the national average. This means that older residents can make the most of the state's lower housing and food costs, transportation, taxes and living expenses, while enjoying healthcare costs that are around 2.3% more affordable than most other states.
Honorable mentions — Arkansas, Mississippi, West Virginia, South Dakota and Oklahoma.
Best state for the highest life expectancy for retirees
Hawaii — The Aloha State has one of the highest life expectancies in the U.S., and it’s not surprising — those stunning beaches and warm tropical vibes seem to be just what older people love. Add to that the islanders’ healthy habits, like staying active and embracing the outdoors, and you’ve got a recipe for physical and emotional wellness that keeps seniors thriving. According to the CDC, a single session of moderate to vigorous physical activity can provide almost immediate benefits for your health and prevent many chronic diseases.
Honorable mentions — Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Minnesota.
Best state for retiree health insurance
New Hampshire — Based on information and data from Healthcare Insider (2026), Massachusetts ranks as the #1 state for health insurance, both access and quality. The state is also considered one of the healthiest states in the country, with the lowest percentage of residents who are without health insurance coverage. With a population of 6.8 million people, only about 3% — just over 200,000 — are uninsured, which is significantly lower than the national average. Insurance costs in Massachusetts also tend to be fairly low. Only Rhode Island and Maryland have lower average premiums
Honorable mentions: Rhode Island, Maryland, Minnesota, Michigan, Massachusetts and Virginia.
States with the best overall retiree health ranking
By 2030, the U.S. population aged 65 and older is projected to have reached roughly 71.6 million, based on estimates from S&P Global. Most older people will need quality healthcare to meet their most basic needs.
According to the United Health Foundation's America's Health Rankings 2025 Senior Report, which evaluates the health and well-being of adults aged 65 and older across 55 outcomes, including chronic conditions, preventive care, behavioral health, mortality, access to doctors and more these are the 5 best states:
- Vermont:
- Colorado:
- Washington
- Utah
- Connecticut
These are the bottom 5 states for overall retiree health:
- Mississippi
- Louisana
- West Virginia
- Oklahoma
- Kentucky
The health and happiness link as you age
Research shows that happiness improves with age, with 79% of those in their 50s describing themselves as "pretty happy" or "very happy." This increased to 88% for those in their 60s, and reached 91% for those in their 70s or older, according to Caring's Senior Happiness Index.
And since happiness and good health typically go hand-in-hand, it makes sense that living in a state that offers the best of both worlds can be the best medicine for retirees.
'Happiness-testing' your retirement isn’t a one-and-done process — things can change. Like Mark Twain once said, "Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been."
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