SAN FRANCISCO (WISH) — A company that operates an online platform for “senior living” services doesn’t recommend Indiana based on federal data.
A Seniorly study ranked Indiana as the ninth worst state for older people seeking an active lifestyle, based on data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistic and the U.S. Census Bureau.
The study analyzed six factors across the 50 states and Washington, D.C., including physical activity, health, life expectancy, and access to fitness centers, golf courses, and parks. Indiana’s poor ranking was attributed to a high percentage of physically inactive older residents, and a low life expectancy of 65.
Indiana ranked 44th in the nation for physically inactive seniors, with 36% of its senior population reporting no leisure-time physical activity.
Additionally, the state ranks 41st in life expectancy for seniors, with an average of 17.3 years expected after age 65.
The Seniorly study also found the availability of gyms and fitness centers in Indiana was limited, with only 63 facilities per 100,000 seniors, placing the state at 43rd in this category.
Furthermore, only 42.1% of Indiana’s population lives within half a mile of a park, ranking it 37th in the nation.
In contrast, Colorado was ranked as the best state for active older people, boasting the lowest physical inactivity rate among seniors and high accessibility to parks and fitness centers.
West Virginia was ranked as the worst state, with low health metrics and limited access to recreational facilities.
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