Everyone wants to age well, and the fact is that for many seniors the idea of leading a sedentary existence is just not very appealing. Now, more than ever, seniors are looking to stay active, engage in their communities, and enjoy a vital and well balanced lifestyle. Seniors in the Boston metro area are in luck according to the Milken Institute, creators of the “Best Cities for Successful Aging” index, which lists Boston as the fourth best large metro area for senior satisfaction and number 1 in the country for those over 80.
The index’s overall rankings are based on eight subcomponents (general indicators, health care, wellness, living arrangements, transportation/ convenience, financial well-being, employment/education, and community engagement). Each subcomponent is based on multiple individual indicators; 78 indicators in all.
For large metro areas, only Provo, Utah, Madison, Wisconsin and Omaha, Nebraska ranked ahead of Boston on the overall list, while Boston ranked No. 1 for those over 80 because of its reputable health care facilities.
The report praised Boston for its plentiful medical professionals, abundant fitness centers and general walkability. It also noted that employment is high for those 65+, public transport is used regularly and grocery and convenience stores are ample. Areas that could use work include the city’s high cost of living, long commutes and higher taxes and assisted living facility costs. Of course, the report also praises Boston as a Mecca for education and retraining as well as its numerous cultural attractions.
Readers can go the institute’s website (here) to weigh the indicators that are most important to them, creating a new set of city rankings individualized to their needs.
