Senior Happiness Index

As the aging population lives longer, entering the golden years means more than just adding years to life — it’s about waking up daily in a place that brings joy. Quality of life is just as important as longevity. But where in the U.S. are seniors truly thriving the most? 

For many seniors, finding an environment that promotes happiness and health is key to enjoying an active retirement or a great lifestyle in assisted living facilities. Research shows that happiness improves with age, with 88% of those in their 60s and 91% in their 70s or older describing themselves as "pretty happy" or "very happy."

To determine which U.S. states have the happiest seniors, we’ve analyzed various factors, such as happiness levels per state, good health rates of over-60s, and the number of senior centers per state.

• Utah 

           Happiness score: 7.69/10

Utah tops the list with the most content seniors, scoring 7.69 out of 10 thanks to its supportive environment for senior living. Utah was also named the healthiest state for older people in 2024, and it ranks as the third-lowest percentage of those aged 65 and over living alone (21.48%), reducing the risk of social isolation. 

Out of all 50 states, Utah is among the top five happiest states as ranked by WalletHub, scoring 62.2 out of 100. WalletHub factored in careers, physical health, and even the childhoods of state residents. Our senior happiness index uses this state happiness roundup as a baseline. Utah’s seat at the top comes as no surprise, as over two-fifths (44%) of seniors in the state volunteer — the highest rate in the U.S. 

This not only means Utah’s aging population is staying connected and involved with their community, but volunteering also contributes significantly to Utah seniors’ well-being and happiness.

In Caring’s 2024 Seniors in the Workforce study, many seniors reported rejoining the workforce to combat boredom and be more social; Volunteering satisfies those needs within Utah’s senior population.

 

• Idaho

           Happiness score: 7.38/10

 

Idaho follows closely behind as one of the happiest states for seniors, scoring 7.38 out of 10. With less than a quarter (21.39%) of seniors living alone, the second-lowest across all states, it reinforces a strong community and social engagement. Ranking in the top five with an average of 3.1 senior centers per population of 100,000 also highlights the state’s great access to senior services and support resources. 

Known for its stunning natural landscapes, Idaho offers seniors plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, promoting both physical and mental well-being. With 30 state parks to explore and proximity to national treasures like Yellowstone, it's no surprise Idaho ranks among the top 10 happiest states, earning a score of 58.84 out of 100.

 

• Connecticut   

           Happiness score: 7.01/10

Ranked in third place is Connecticut, which has a happiness score of 7.01 out of 10. Not only does the state have the third-highest average life expectancy compared to all states (79.2 years), but it is also among the top 10 states for overall health ranking. Thanks to its accessible health care, only 7.2% of Connecticut’s population lacks health insurance, significantly lower than the national average of 11.3%. This ensures the aging population has better access to the necessary medical services. 

Connecticut is in the top 10 happiest states as ranked by WalletHub, scoring 60.14 out of 100. Connecticut’s high marks could be attributed to the number of cultural and recreational activities the state offers, such as free or discounted access for seniors to museums, parks, libraries, and arts events. According to Connecticut Humanities, a third (33%) of adults 60 and over attend museums and performing arts exhibitions. 

 

     3.    Delaware

            Happiness score: 7.01/10

 

Regarded as one of the happiest and most supportive states for later life, Delaware completes the top three in joint third place, also with a senior happiness index score of  7.01 out of 10. Rated the number one state for retirement in 2024 by Bankrate, Delaware is a favorable location for senior living. 

Delaware ranks in the top 10 for both overall senior health (9th) and happiest states (60.43 out of 100), highlighting a strong sense of well-being among seniors. The state also places in the top five for the lowest percentage of people aged 65 and over living alone (22.88%), showcasing better family or social support systems. Delaware offers a relatively affordable cost of living index of 100.8, helping its residents maintain a comfortable and independent lifestyle.

North Dakota: 6.90
North Dakota tops the list with 6.90 senior centers per population of 100,000, which is relatively higher than other states. Senior centers play a central role in providing volunteer opportunities and promoting community involvement, so it's unsurprising that 32.7% of seniors in North Dakota volunteer, surpassing the national average of 27.6%.

Hawaii: 19.51%

Thanks to its diverse cultural heritage, Hawaii highly values family and community. This often results in multigenerational households, where seniors live with children, grandchildren, or extended family members. Intergenerational cohabitation significantly impacts the number of people over 65 living alone, as just over 19% of the state’s senior population lives alone, considerably lower than the national average of approximately 28%.

Utah: #1

Utah is the healthiest state for older adults in the U.S., suggesting a low prevalence of risky health behaviors among seniors. The state also has low rates of smoking and excessive drinking, which contribute to better overall health.​ Utah is among the top fifteen states for clinical care, indicating that it offers good access to health care services for seniors.

Given that illness was a top three stressor for seniors with anxiety and depression on Caring's 2025 mental health poll, it's no surprise access to good health care makes seniors happy.

West Virginia: 84.1

West Virginia is ranked as the most affordable state in terms of cost of living, with a score of just over 84, which is approximately 16% lower than the national average (100). This means that senior residents benefit from the state's lower housing and living expenses, whilst also enjoying health care costs that are around 2.3% more affordable.

Hawaii: 79.9 years 

Hawaii has the highest life expectancy in the U.S., at just under 80 years. This could be partly due to residents’ healthy behaviors, such as regular physical activity, supported by the state’s warm, sunny climate that encourages outdoor habits. Hawaii also has a strong sense of community, which is essential to its residents' mental and emotional well-being, especially for seniors.

Hawaii: 68.71/100

With a score of 68.71 out of 100, Hawaii is the state with the happiest seniors. This is no surprise, as it has the fewest seniors living alone and the highest life expectancy across the U.S. 

This all results from the state’s supportive community culture, access to health care, active outdoor lifestyle, and strong emphasis on social and family connections that contribute to its aging population’s overall health and wellness. 

The number of senior centers by state was gathered using SeniorCenters.com on 16/04/2025. These figures are calculated per 100,000 people using the U.S. Census State Population Totals (2024) to normalize the data. 

To determine the percentage of seniors (65+) living alone, we used data from the U.S. Census American Community Survey (2023), which examined one-person households with 65 and over. This data was then normalised using the senior populations of each state, also 65 years and over, to calculate the percentage. 

The overall senior health ranking factor figures were taken from America’s Health Rankings 2024 Senior Report. 

The cost of living index by state was taken from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (2024). 

The National Vital Statistics System (2024) sourced the average annual life expectancy at birth (years) data. 

To gather data on the happiest states in America, we used WalletHub (2024). This index is out of 100. 

This data is correct as of April 2025.

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• Connecticut residents and the arts, culture, and humanities. (2022). CThumanities. P.g. 34 
• Connecticut ranks third in the nation for health care access (2024). Connecticut Hospital Association. 
• Find a Park. (n.d.). Department of Parks and Recreation | Idaho.Gov 
• Gailey, Alex. (2024). Delaware takes the No. 1 spot for the best state to retire. Bankrate 
• Kaplan, Daniel B. (2025). Older adults living alone. MSD Manuals.
• State Rankings (2024). America’s Health Rankings | United Health Foundation
• Volunteerism - age 65+ in the United States. (2023). America’s Health Rankings | United Health Foundation 
• 2024 senior report overview. (2024). America’s Health Rankings | United Health Foundation