WISCONSIN — Wisconsin was ranked as the best state in the U.S. for senior wellbeing, according to a new study by Universal Drugstore, an international prescription referral service.

The research compared data on health care, social support and quality of life measures across the U.S. and internationally.

What You Need To Know

  • Wisconsin was ranked as the best state in the U.S. for senior wellbeing, according to a new study by Universal Drugstore

  • Part of what made Wisconsin the best state was the poverty rate among seniors, which was the lowest compared to other states, at 3.9%

  • Following Wisconsin in first place was Minnesota (8.21) in second and Vermont (8.11) in third

  • Even though Wisconsin was the best state for senior wellbeing, the U.S. did not perform well internationally in the study

Overall, Wisconsin earned a score of 8.62 for senior wellbeing.

Part of what made Wisconsin the best state was the poverty rate among seniors, which was the lowest compared to other states, at 3.9%.

While not the highest, it also had a fair amount of senior living facilities. There were 21.52 facilities per 100,000 people.

Social isolation risk also performed well in the state. Wisconsin finished in ninth place alongside Iowa with a score of 37 out of 100.

The weakest measure in the state was health care access. It ranked in 17th place for the measure; however, it was still in the top half of states.

Following Wisconsin in first place was Minnesota (8.21) in second and Vermont (8.11) in third. Oklahoma ranked the worst, with a score of 0.87.

Even though Wisconsin was the best state for senior wellbeing, the U.S. did not perform well internationally in the study. It ranked 26 out of 38 countries and received a low score of 3.78. It did perform well on one specific measure: social support for those age 50 and older. The U.S. had the 16th highest score, sitting at 91.68%.

The country did the most poorly on the healthy life expectancy for people aged 60 measure. An average healthy 60-year-old in the country can only expect to live another 16.4 years in good health, or until around 76. Officials said this only beats five other countries.

“This data shows much room for improvement in the United States regarding senior well-being,” the study reads. “This is likely the result of socioeconomic factors, such as affordable medication and healthcare availability, a culture where walking is uncommon, driving is prioritized, and an abundance of unhealthy hyper-processed food options.”

Switzerland took first place, ranking as the best place for senior living with a score of 8.52.

You can read the full study, here.

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