Florida was ranked the 14th best state in the United States for retirement, according to a recent study from 24 Hour Caregivers.
▶ LISTEN TO ORLANDO’S MORNING NEWS EXPRESS PODCAST ON WDBO
The study analyzed the states by air quality, life expectancy, violent crime, environmental quality, Medicaid spending, the proportion of residents aged 65 and older and nursing home quality. Each factor was weighed equally and combined to form an index score out of 100.
The sunshine state scored 61.8 out of 100 overall. More than one in five Florida residents are aged 65 or older, but the state ranks No. 12 in both natural environment and nursing home quality, according to the study.
Florida’s neighboring states — Georgia and Alabama — are among the study’s bottom 10 states to retire, ranking Georgia at No. 41 and Alabama No. 42.
“People often think about retirement in terms of weather, housing or being close to family, but the availability and quality of care can become just as important over time,” said Allen Tahir, CEO of 24 hour Caregivers, in a statement.
The top ranked states are Hawaii, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, Minnesota and New Jersey.
Tahir said that retirees should look beyond the appeal of a destination and consider what everyday life may look like depending on their health care needs.
“Before moving, retirees should look at the quality and availability of local home care, nursing facilities and healthcare services, rather than relying only on statewide averages or the cost of living,” Tahir said. “Planning for those needs before they become urgent can make a major difference to how comfortably and independently someone is able to live in retirement.”
Click here to download our free news, weather and traffic app. And click here to subscribe to our daily 3 Big Things newsletter.