The 10 best states to grow old

Percentage of 65+ with disability: 31.8 percent (the lowest)

Violent crime rate: 223.2 per 100,000 residents (9th lowest) 

The Land of 10,000 Lakes not only boasts great recreational opportunities, but its seniors have the third best access to services in the country — something that’s important as people age and need assistance. Yet senior Minnesotans seem to be pretty hale and hearty, with the lowest disability rate among elders in the country. They also have the second highest life expectancy at birth, according to 2011 figures. Beware of jokers, though; the state bird is the common loon, so your friends may tease you if you move there. 

5. Virginia

Median household income for those over 65: $44,440 (5th highest)

Bachelor’s degree or higher: 28.0 percent (12th highest)

Percentage of 65+ with disability: 33.9 percent (9th lowest)

Violent crime rate: 187.9 per 100,000 residents (3rd lowest) 

High household income keeps Virginia’s elders from lacking food or living in poverty, with less than 4 percent having trouble putting food on the table. It’s also safe, with a low violent crime rate, and has a well-educated elder population, so you shouldn’t get bored talking to your neighbors — unless maybe they’re politicians, and all you can do is listen.

4. Vermont

Median household income for those over 65: $35,844 (20th lowest)

Bachelor’s degree or higher: 32.7 percent (2nd highest)

Percentage of 65+ with disability: 34.2 percent (13th lowest)

Violent crime rate: 114.9 per 100,000 residents (the lowest) 

If you’ve always been worried about crime, you’ll be safe in Vermont, with the lowest violent crime rate in the country. Also, if you’re worried about a rise in sea level because of climate change, you can rest easy here; it’s the only state in New England that doesn’t border the Atlantic. (Of course that means no beaches, but with all that snow and skiing, do you care?) 

3. Hawaii

Median household income for those over 65: $55,650 (the highest)

Bachelor’s degree or higher: 26.0 percent (17th highest)

Percentage of 65+ with disability: 35.6 percent (25th lowest)

Violent crime rate: 245.3 per 100,000 residents (13th lowest) 

Hawaii’s elderly make up almost 16 percent of the state’s overall population, probably because it’s just so inviting. It also has the highest income median in the country. The state has near-universal healthcare, a popular perk with anyone who has health issues, and something that may account for it having the longest life expectancy in the country. Besides, what’s not to like? Beaches everywhere, the ability to grow pineapples and coconuts in your own back yard, and the soothing sounds of the surf to lull you to sleep at night all add up to a very relaxing retirement. 

2. New Hampshire

Median household income for those over 65: $42,406 (11th highest)

Bachelor’s degree or higher: 28.6 percent (10th highest)

Percentage of 65+ with disability: 34.6 percent (16th lowest)

Violent crime rate: 199.6 per 100,000 residents (6th lowest)

Maybe you hadn’t thought of living with all New Hampshire’s snow, but the poverty rate of the state’s elderly is the second-lowest in the country at 5.6 percent. In addition, their healthy income rates meant that just 5 percent of its seniors, according to 2011 data, did not have access to healthy foods. That’s better than most of the states in the country. It also recognizes nano-breweries as separate entities from larger breweries, which may mean you’ll get more enjoyment out of that beer with dinner. 

Image credit: (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

1. Utah

Median household income for those over 65: $44,384 (6th highest)

Bachelor’s degree or higher: 30.9 percent (3rd highest)

Percentage of 65+ with disability: 36.0 percent (24th highest)

Violent crime rate: 209.2 per 100,000 residents (8th lowest)

Utah actually has one of the lowest elderly populations in the country, but those there are highly educated and had healthy incomes after strong work histories (its motto is “Industry” and its nickname is the Beehive State, both of which may tell you something about its people). It’s also the 10th least densely populated state in the country, so there’s probably room if you’d like to move there.