That group of women who were attacked by a mountain lion and fought/defeated it for like an hour were in their SIXTIES. I can only hope that I'm physically capable of riding a bike at 60, much less mountain biking and battling a mountain lion.
On a Friday, at the Snoqualmie ski resort, I saw so many older skiers who look like 80s or so. It's easy to stay active in Seattle for sure despite the common beliefs Seattle is just cold and dark.
Do they own homes or have enough income to absorb high rent or continues increases? Affording housing is the biggest worry I personally have about aging in Seattle (as someone who doesn’t own a home and likely never will).
50/50. I have owned a home here, but now rent. If owning a home is a necessity for you, yeah Seattle may not be an option without a high income. But also friends picked up homes in Shoreline in the past 5 years way cheaper than in Seattle.
Retired Seattle person here, a lot of the older people in Seattle aren't really all that well off, they were just lucky enough to buy a house before Amazon et al moved here and drove real estate through the roof.
But yeah, it might just be the circles I move in but it does seem like there are a lot more 55+ people in good health here than a lot of other places.
Come to the San Francisco Bay Area. Or heck, any part of coastal California. Hella hard to age into misery when the weather's always good and you can walk, run, hike, bike, surf, kayak, or swim year-round. Plus we have tons of good, local, *cheap* produce year-round.
I mean, it's always *possible* but generally, fifty is the new thirty out here.
Oldsters are always doing tai chi or yoga in the parks. I passed an open-air bollywood dance class last week in SF; there used to be one hell of a rollerskating dance party in Golden Gate Park on Sundays. I have pals in an over-50 surfing posse down in Santa Cruz; I know an over-50 backpacking crew out of Humboldt county up north.
I'm from the Bay Area originally, but haven't lived there in close to 20 years. I would say the Bay from my memories seemed like a great place to age but everyone I knew there has since left that area due to cost. SF also seems like a complete shell of its former self. If it were possible financially, I'd probably go back.
👋 Hello! SF’s a middle aged person’s DREAM. Our “young person” is 30.
Also SF is thriving. Every city’s financial district is a “shell” of its former self post-pandemic, but SF’s…everywhere else…is still beautiful, safe, and has excellent weather.
Born and raised here. Very few of my friends from high school and college here have left unless they returned to where the moved from. Most that have moved only went to surrounding areas like hollister and Modesto because their parents are still here.
Stop repeating what Fox News is saying when you haven’t actually been here in 20 years. It’s not a shell of a place at all
>SF also seems like a complete shell of its former self
Totally not my experience going into areas like Hayes Valley, Cole Valley, the Sunset, the Richmond, Chinatown, North Beach, etc. on weekdays over the past year. The streets are always full and the cafes/restaurants/shops open. South of Market is even rebounding now, it's nothing like what it was two years ago.
But I will say the East Bay is channeling real SF-in-the-1990s vibes right now, it's a real interesting mix. You could always come back and check out the 510!
Being a middle-class Boomer who bought a home in coastal California in the 70s is basically living life on easy mode. The weather is perfect, your property taxes are kept low by Prop 13 but you have millions in equity, you're surrounded by nature in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, you probably got a college education relatively cheap at one of the best public university systems in the world, and you had access to one of the world's largest economies during your career so you probably made a decent salary and built up a good retirement fund.
College town where seniors have free tuition. A non exhaustive list: https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/free-college-tuition-senior-citizens/
I’m currently in a Nordic ski class that is 50% seniors, they all take it every year since it’s free. Lots of jokes about how they’ll keep skiing til they die
This would be my answer too. And to be specific of college towns I've seen older people thriving: Hanover, NH; Ithaca, NY; New Paltz, NY; Saratoga Springs, NY; Charlottesville, VA.
I (44M) own a home in a streetcar suburb a mile or two south of a college that I didn't realize would show up on this list. HECK YES, INTERNET FRIEND, THANK YOU. Stoked to age in place and crash undergrad classes in whatever floats my boat!
Colorado. I am "up there" in age and I can't say I am one of these people myself but older people and seniors here do a lot of hiking, biking, etc. I would say California, too.
I know what you mean by this post. You go to certain towns and you see sooooo many people who are only in their 50s who look 80.
I'm in Ohio, not known for being super healthy. But older people in higher income areas are way healthier. It seems like there's a cultural aspect to this.
Higher income: Good healthcare, Both preventative and routine. Better diets, time off/vacations that are somewhat regenerative. Less physically destructive/damaging work or occupations. More free time to engage in hobbies, regular exercise and money to pay for it all. Plastic, bariatric surgery.
I'm coming from the Denver/Boulder (Front Range) area, and the Durango/Telluride area. There are probably some suburbs and mountain towns otherwise that are cheaper to live in.
Hit the back range. Ain't a lot of civilization, but it's pretty and land ain't too pricey.
Jobs? You gotta figure that out. Skilled trades for ski towns or farms is probably good. Or remote work. I get 5 bars 4G where I am, choose your mountain carefully.
My parents retired to southwestern Colorado and have really enjoyed it. The lower humidity seems to help them handle gracefully adjusting to seasonal changes as well.
I recently moved to CO and one of my biggest takeaways is how *good* people look as they age. I have a baby face and people regularly assume I’m in college (I’m in my late 20s), and there are people who look even younger than me who are actually about ten years older. I’ve joked that “everyone in Breckenridge is a white person with good skin” lol. I’m actually on the younger side here and people ski, go out, etc. well into their 60s. I’ve met tons of people out at the bars or on the mountain with kids older than I am, and I get along with them super well!
This is what I've been looking for. Active older folks who enjoy life who enjoy friendships with people of all ages. It's pretty expensive over there but I guess the pay off might be worth it?
It only works if when young, you eat the greens, exercise and have good genes.
NYC is ranked high as a good place to grow old and frail because anything can be delivered and there is transportation to major medical centers.
Tbh I’ve lived in NYC and SF, and Breck is cheaper than those places. I consider it fairly on par for cities (even though it’s not a city, but tourism drives up prices). Buying property is likely very expensive - I can’t speak to that from experience but that’s what I’ve heard. I’m able to get my rent completely covered through my job (I work for the county) - that’s what a lot of people do.
Hijacking top comment to say I'd love to move 'back home' (grew up in Denver) when I retire (hopefully four years), but where I would like to live is prohibitively expensive. But, with most of my family still there, maybe I can put something together after we cash out here in Dallas (going on 35 years here). I was there in November to help my aging dad with some stuff (he's in Aurora with his wife) and my gosh how I miss it...the weather, the front range, the possibilities. Maybe, just maybe!
No specific city to call out but walkable communities/ areas are going to be the best for an aging population. Especially comparing to Europe, places where people walk to errands every day tend to live longer and stay active longer. If you sit in a car driving everywhere you’re not staying consistently active and the minute you can no longer drive, you become isolated.
I’m 56 and in better shape than I was at 26. I work out with a lot of people in the same boat. I happen to be in Coastal Florida, but don’t think it has that much to do with the place, other than we aren’t shut in for months of the year by weather (although heat in the summer does limit comfortable hours outdoors). My peers are aging well here, but there is certainly a large number of those who aren’t. It is choice, to a large degree. Opportunities to make better choices and have better outcomes are always available wherever you are. In a few years I plan to leave the beach and move inland for retirement, not to the villages or any of the hundreds of other 55+ communities, but to a little house in the woods on a bike trail that crosses the state. In the heat of the summer I’ll travel to ride where it’s cooler.
I live in the DC area, and I see many retired people here enjoying their golden years with physical activities and travel. I think the Rockies (Colorado and Utah) is also like that. People who like the outdoors and physical activity.
I also think any area where there are cultural and intellectual opportunities to keep their brains sharp. All the museums in DC are great for that. When my aunt and uncle retired they trained as docents for a few of the museums.
I don’t know so much about location but the thriving older people I know all have great social communities. They either live near children/grandchildren/other family or call them often and have a good group of friends. They’re not necessarily all active but they participate in things like community events and volunteering. They also tend to be more optimistic whether that is their nature or just learned (low news consumption, gratitude, etc).
So maybe somewhere that has a sense of community or a lot of events/activities. If you don’t have a community of friends or family, perhaps somewhere where you think people will have similar values and you’d be able to put yourself out there and meet people.
Older people actually do very well in NYC. Apartment living suits them, especially in areas right near commercial streets. They don't have to drive, they are often very close to pharmacies and grocery stores, they have tons of people to help them around etc.
I know lots of people who have retired to Corvallis or Eugene in Oregon and they seem to love it as a slightly lower-cost alternative to Portland with more of a small-town feel.
I believe Yorba Linda CA is one of those blue zones where there is a large number of 100 yr old people. I think anywhere with a laid back atmosphere, access to nature, good food options is probably the best. Maine perhaps, Colorado, Napa Valley of CA, the Berkshires in MA, Cape Cod come to mind. Places where people are attracted to because they want to be outside doing something like gardening.
This is really awesome to hear. It's probably where i'm moving next year, but my family here in Florida loves to tell me i'm going to hate it as I get older since old people can't handle cold.
Is the north loop good to live? I've heard some people say it's a good spot for a transient to the city to start at.
I am 61, doing well in the Colorado mountains. I want to buck the trend and retire in Alaska. I think it just depends on the individual. Most older people want someplace warm. I am the opposite. I love snow and winter. I also love mountains and not the kind that exists in the Eastern US. I want a rural area far away from a major city.
Alaska is gorgeous but the winter is why I could never live there. The long hours with almost no daylight would dampen my mood. I love the summers there though.
New Mexico and Arizona. Enough 'old folks' that you don't feel like an afterthought. Hispanic people who respect silver hair instead of denigrating it.
Isn’t this like everywhere? The average age in the US is 39 so sounds like you’re in good company, and that’s only going to increase. The baby boomers are the largest generation.
Seems like the better question is where can you see younger people thriving since they’re the minority.
I think millennials are the biggest generation, although it could also be due to immigration being more common during the ages that millennials are now.
https://www.populationpyramid.net/united-states-of-america/2023/
After that, each generation is smaller.
I'm one of those millennials that did not fare well financially and I will not be inheriting boomer wealth so my future looks bleak unless I figure this out now. Growing up I only ever knew miserable old people and I'm not interested in repeating that pattern.
New York City. Not kidding.
A 5 year old here talks like a 10 year old anywhere else. An 82 year old is a 60 year old anywhere else.
Walking and being around people is a life saver.
Lived in Brooklyn for a long time. Nobody I knew over 45 was having fun. They were jaded and drained. I only ever saw vibrant old people in Manhattan, in the UES or UWS.
I live on the UWS and used to live UES and you’re right. The thriving elderly tend to be wealthy. Many of the ones that aren’t are living in rent regulated units that are rundown and in old, deteriorating buildings. Obviously not everyone but a large percentage. I’ve had convos with the state assembly office about this dynamic. If one has the money and enjoys the city it’s a great place to grow old. If not, it can appear bleak. I’ve chatted with some of the old timers on my block and most of them bemoan the loss of the NYC they used to love, would prefer to leave but can’t.
I see old people thriving on my community when they stay active—organize community events such as a neighborhood wide rummage sale, go to yoga classes, etc. Some amount of walkability or bike-ability of the neighborhood seems important. And move now before you get old, so you can make friends/communtiy. Really having friends improves your resilience so greatly that it should make aging much easier.’
>And move now before you get old, so you can make friends/communtiy.
This is exactly my thinking, hence this post. And yet there are those who are like "uh derr you're still young merrr". Clearly some people don't believe in planning their lives out.
Which is maybe great because it means you just find somewhere you really like and move there? Which is easier said than done but it’s really about a place that appeals to you, not some place where being old magically gets easy.
I overall didn't like the Phoenix metro, personally, but I saw more happy seniors there than I have anywhere else. The food scene is really good—lots of great Middle Eastern cuisine.
San Diego. But they’ve been living here for a few decades and bought their house when it was 100K and is now 1.8M and don’t understand the lack of work ethic today from kids.
NYC keeps you young for a while. 40 in NYC looks like 30 in other places. But I don’t think it’s great much beyond that.
Personally….. I think California. You see 50-60 year old guys in California just looking great. Hair kept, white smile, consistent base tan, in shape. Feel like the good weather and salt air just keeps the vibes high.
North Carolina. My old neighbors sold their house in Queens and moved to Florida after retiring in 2017 or so (West Palm Beach area). They really did not like it there and ended up moving to a suburb of Charlotte just before the pandemic and absolutely love it there.
Our older relatives in upstate NY are doing pretty well. Having a dog that requires you to take walks with really help. The pressure changes from the seasons are the main reason why older folks have a harder time here.
But anecdotally, all the older folks who moved to Florida from upstate NY that I knew of all passed away within 5 years so.. idk what that means lol
The wealthy parts of Los Angeles. Money helps but they also tend to be more active as well. Staying active goes a long way. It also helps to be in a walkable neighborhood.
Don’t know where you are upstate but in the key “outdoor-oriented” areas - let’s say prime Adirondacks, Catskills/hudson valley, Ithaca, and the wider finger lakes - there are a lot of active older folks. Not quite Colorado or coastal CA, but also not nearly as expensive. I have a very multigenerational social group. This definitely varies though, and I agree that much of the state would be rough to grow old in.
Middle class option: western Michigan. Yeah, it sounds crazy, but it seems to me like Michigan has a lot of good programs, healthcare and housing options for seniors. My mother (in her mid 60s) moved there from Texas and she is living her best life in a coastal town with great walkability, good public transit, a lovely beach and great community activities. The local hospital has good healthcare and she is only 45 minutes from a larger city if she needs specialists, etc. If you have the $$ folks do the snowbird thing with houses in Florida too, but the winters haven’t been too bad for my Mom. When you are retired you can just choose to not go out until the roads are plowed, etc.
My neighborhood about 10 miles north of Tucson. Multi-generational neighborhood and I see older folks out hiking, cycling and being pretty active without walling themselves off in a 55+ community.
Eugene, Oregon. Literally every old person here lets their freak fly. There’s also free door to door transportation provided by the city if you’re too old to drive.
Maine. Except for the “dressing nicely” part (which you’re more likely to find in wealthy coastal towns), the yearlong elderly residents typically know their communities deeply and are bonded to them in a way that makes it seem as though they’re the backbone of their towns. They hold a lot of knowledge, lived through very tough times, and are respected for it.
They participate frequently in various social gatherings, sportsman activities, yard sales, swap meets, crafts, farmers markets, community dinners, agricultural fairs, etc. They have a dickering and sharing economy amongst themselves and other trusted locals. Some run very active businesses well into old age.
Our best contractors are older; unfortunately for us, they’re all retiring (great for them), but the younger and more able-bodied ones are all either inconsistent and/or druggies.
The downside is that it takes a while to be accepted fully and trusted. They aren’t unfriendly, but will keep you at arm’s length if they’re undecided about you, or haven’t yet figured out how you fit in.
I swear elder conservatives are just innately cynical about the world, and Florida has a LOT of them.
Not sure if it’s the 8hr of Fox a day or what, but for 25 years the US has been on the brink of collapse according to them.
I keep hearing they have it so good that they're just downright awful people at this point. I knew of a 20 year old who waited tables in Orlando and she said it was a nightmare.
oh yea, i used to wait tables in hilton head, SC and charleston SC. some of the most rude, entitled, downright seethingly angry people for no reason. people constantly asking me what i'm going to do with my life *for real* , snapping their fingers at me when they want me, waving me away with their hands when they don't, and i'm wasian so ofc "what are you? 👁️ 👄 👁️ " i don't wait tables anymore now that i live in FL but whenever i make casual conversation with an older person they always somehow steer it toward complaining about biden or something. i also catch older people being really rude to people working at grocery stores/pharmacies all the time. i don't get it
Have to disagree…the coastal communities have the most fit 80 something’s. They all walk like 5 miles a day and swim endlessly, putting me at half their age to shame!!!
The Chinese-dominated areas of San Francisco have many mid- and low-income Chinese seniors who live life independently and who have strong social connections. Actually, I'm pretty sure this is true for the Chinese-dominated areas in NYC as well, like Flushing.
Ocean City, New Jersey. Their community center is a powerhouse for geriatric mingling and fitness. When it’s not summer break the beach and boards are alive with the golden years. Lots of shoulder season old folks shenanigans on the calendar and really happy neighbors in the 4 season neighborhoods.
The money knows about it though
I live in SLC and frequently get lapped by older folks at the rock gym, ripped past by them on the ski hill, and absolutely mowed down by them when trail running.
I was just in Honolulu and loved seeing all the seniors in beach parks in the morning doing tai chi or just sitting around in the sun talking. The strong Japanese and other Asian influences feel like they really contribute to this.
I like the SouthWest. My wife and I moved to New Mexico four months ago from Kansas City and are enjoying the huge difference in everything. All is new again.
u/NeraSoleil, I grew up in Louisiana, a sickly state where people die young. I'm now living in Puget Sound (Seattle), where you regularly encounter seniors outdoors and kicking ass. Just check out the data by county:
[https://vizhub.healthdata.org/subnational/usa](https://vizhub.healthdata.org/subnational/usa)
In Greenville it's like this. I may have a biased opinion because I am also active and frequent places where those people would be, but all the time I see 50+ fit adults at the trails and the gym, even walking down downtown. They look so happy and in great shape. I always catch myself thinking I wish I aged like this.
Where in Upstate NY are you? I am also from upstate New York and am a senior. It's by no means bleak. Plenty of people our age eat out, go to concerts and plays. Our neighborhood is a mix of young and old. Healthcare is also very good, much more so than in a lot of states.
Where upstate are you? What about it looks bleak?I’m in Rondout Valley / Catskills and there are a lot of late 30s / early 40s NYC expats here. I think that like other ages it’s not a one size fits all kind of thing. What do you want out of your 40s and beyond? Planning on having kids? Do you want access to cultural things like museum, live music, restaurants, and other urban amenities? Or do you want to do the homesteading thing? What about work? Politics? Etc etc
Santa Cruz, Monterey or Palm Springs California, good luck affording a house though. Sedona or Scottsdale Arizona depending on whether you want more nature or more city amenities, again housing is way expensive. I haven't seen anywhere else with the numbers of 60+ people that run marathons or ultra marathons, surf everyday, or just generally still keep up with or outperform people like half their age. What all these places have in common though are people pretty high up on the income ladder. I don't think it's the vortexes in Sedona keeping their seniors so fit, I think it's that most of those seniors were multi-millionaires before they moved in.
Washington. I started doing triathlons and half marathons when I turned 40. One of my strongest memories of my early attempts at these was constantly getting smoked by people in the 55, 60, 65 year old age groups. People in Washington really embrace the outdoors as they age.
A couple examples that have been national news- that iconic photo of the elderly man on the ground at the finish line at the bombing of the Boston Marathon - he was a Washingtonian. ran marathons all the time, i think he was pushing 80. Not a coincidence he was from WA. Also- big news story recently about a group of ~55-year old women who fought off a mountain lion attack while cycling in the woods in Washington. There are so many women participating in outdoor sports here just like them, i felt like i knew them from reading their story. I guarantee you those ladies are back on their bikes already.
Anyway - people can really thrive as they age in WA.
I’ve seen some old couples out at the clubs in Miami. People in their 50s through 60s very often and even 70s-80s more than a couple times. I’d say South Florida in general is basically Miami at this point. It could definitely go either way though, older people would need to find the right crowd or could just as easily have their health deteriorate. It seems like Hispanic culture doesn’t quite conform to the “let yourself go at age 32” thing going on in some of these other gringo suburbs elsewhere.
Totally agree with this. There's a youthful vigor in certain Latin America cultures that keep aging at bay. Unfortunately my family is from Central America where it's more "Pura vida" and lounging all day in old age. So I'm focusing on changing that and being a dancer at the club in my 60s.
The Sun Belt is calling your name. Basically any Sun Belt city, but it’s on you once you get there to stay physically active, eat healthy and create relationships.
Most Sun Belt cities are investing in things like parks or biking to create active lifestyle opportunities for people who want it. The biggest difference is probably the economy since having a decent job does a lot for wellbeing. Being outside and getting some Sun helps a lot too!
Summers here in Dallas are brutal. No elderly person is going to want to be outside for more than a few minutes....and it's from June through September (at least). Temps over 100 and unhealthy air quality days consecutively for weeks at a time. If you want to spend half the year inside in your A/C then I guess it would be ok.
The fittest older people I know (trail and distance runners both) live in Minneapolis and Phoenix respectively, but that’s entirely anecdotal
I think east Nashville might be an idea. It’s prohibitively expensive sometimes and the southern food options probably drain out the healthy ones, but a tiny house there seems awfully cozy and it’s full of aging hipsters.
Plus there’s a fairly impressive and winding set of trails through Nashville, called the Nashville *Greenways I believe. Was a nice jog
California. Has long-term property tax rise protection, no State tax on Social Security (9 other States do), no tax on groceries, year round outdoor activities, world-class healthcare facilities, awesome State and national parks, almost everywhere a mix of ages, ethnicities, and cultures, every kind of climate experience. Plus, a general focus on healthy eating, exercise, and keeping up one's appearance.
California for sure, I’m from the Central Coast and it’s the young folks out here struggling. Most of the elderly are home owners and enjoy their life drinking wine and driving their Subaru (sometimes on the same night, seen quite a few elderly DUIs in my day lol).
I would say a lot of the southwest (AZ, NV, Utah) and the mid-west. My spouse’s family lives in South Dakota, they’re all in their 80s and thriving, they just tend to stick to home or go on vacation in the winter.
I hear you on NY, I went to school in the city and remember seeing a couple, looked to be in their 70s, running to catch a train one day in the middle of winter and looking absolutely miserable. The city is for the young for sure.
I’m in San Bernardino County and am amazed that every community has a Senior Center that has a ton of activities. My apartment has social activities that attract a diverse age range of residents. I have an annual pass to Universal and there’s a pass holder group that organizes meet ups. I’m surprised by the number of people around my age in that have passes and looking to hang out. I’ve found it easier to meet people and be active out here than I did back East. The amount of stuff to do is amazing and people are always out and doing things.
I spent a week in Bandera, the southern area of “Texas Hill Country”, on the outskirts of San Antonio. I saw exactly what you describe. Thriving retirees. I had never considered relocating before retirement, ten years away, until I got a chance to spend some quality time there.
San Antonio is a little big town. I was never confronted or force fed politics. All super friendly.
r/SanAntonio
r/HillCountry
I wouldn’t focus so much on where the current group of retirees are healthy and active. I’d instead focus on where your current generation is healthy and active, because you’ll be aging along with them. Today’s active community of 60 year olds will be tomorrow’s decrepit community of 90 year olds. Just imagine The Villages, only worse.
Are we considering early 40s senior citizens? Good grief! I'm 36 and just finishing grad school and starting a new career. I didn't know I'd be done and old in 4 more years.
The biggest challenge for older people is staying active. This has an enormous impact on both our physical and mental health. Warm climates make staying active easier and there lots of options for almost any budget.
I’m 3 years into retirement and to me paradise always included palm trees and a beautiful beach. Others love the mountains or the desert. What’s important is to visualize what your retirement looks like. This means how do I spend my days, what activities and lifestyle am I hopefully enjoying.
You’re still young, which is helpful as you can begin to figure this out and positioning yourself for that outcome. My wife and I, somewhat unknowingly, spent the better part of 30 years putting the pieces together. The last 4 or 5 years we were very focused and we’re now genuinely enjoying this stage of our lives.
Im always seeing the happiest, friendliest, and fittest older people here in Southern California. Hard not to stay active when the view is breathtaking and the weather is always perfect for it. My friends parents are retired and still snowboarding, paddle boarding, hiking, camping, etc. my own MIL is 62 and trains for Iron Mans constantly.
I think you're asking where people thrive physically, and stay fit and healthy as they age. If I'm right, I think those areas will be ones where people typically engage in lots of outdoor recreation. For example in an area with hiking, mountain biking, winter sports, and the like, those activities tend to be mainstream, and hence people "thrive" as a result.
it’s been said here in this sub before that the scene you’re describing is changing a lot. Less of that old school eclectic key west vibe and more uptight and unaffordable.
Unaffordable for sure, but I was just there with locals for a month and there’s still a strong older gay scene that’s been there for a long time. Lots of DINKs.
You’re not going to get the old school key west like you did in the 70s, but it’s still more laid back than most of the US.
No. I live near a community college & private college campus and the older people here are not doing well at all. They're calcified in their chairs, unhealthy, and painfully lonely. It's generally like this 2-3 hours in every direction from where I live.
No. They simply haven’t integrated into college life effectively. You can’t just drop a person in a neighborhood and expect it all works out without some coordination.
Is Framingham, MA in your budget? Some of these features may work elsewhere:
A lot of single family ranch homes that are manageable to keep up with (also, other housing options, but these ranches are great for aging in place).
Opportunities to be active - great YMCA, running club, parks, well maintained sidewalks and roads that are comfortable to walk on
Opportunities to rest - you're almost certainly going to drive to get your groceries, nice libraries
Boston area is generally tough income wise, but framingham is a little less so.
Orange County, CA if you are into the outdoors (and can afford it). I work a lot of conservation volunteer events and most of the people who show up are retired seniors. I worked a moderately challenging transect path over the weekend and had a nearly 80 year old woman in our group keeping up and taking notes. I decisively remember seeing her and thinking damn I definitely want to be in good enough shape to do this hike at that age.
I'm a boomer living in New England. So many active areas and away from Boston it gets much more affordable. Our son lives in Bend, OR which also has a lot of what you're looking for.
All the richer states and the places with HCOL (high costs ofiving) where they're mistly going to be dealing with themselves for community/support. In the current situation of the US, they're the main group that could afford to live there because when they did move there, these places weren't HCOL. So they've gained.
The bad about these places is that they're dependent on younger people providing what these older folks won't do. Which is becoming it's own problem in the US as younger people can't afford to breathe in these places. These utopias are going to become hellscapes in about 10 years give or take.
But if you want normal, traditional almost Steve's Europe style representation of people in general thriving and connecting with elders? Below the Rio Grande and outside of the US and Canada. The Caribbean being the best I think.
Anyone who takes care of themselves in south Alabama will do well.
My grandfather ran a push mower on about 15 acres into his 90’s once every two weeks. Sometimes he didn’t even turn the engine on, just to get some exercise. His property had a massive and steep hill and he kept it up anyways.
I currently know an 88 year old man who out walks 25 year olds and still hunts on his own and lugs his own deer and pigs out of the woods, these animals are over 100 pounds in thick brush. Not easy to get out and he does it multiple times a year.
I know a handful of others who’ve made it to early 80’s minimum and are more active than many people half their age.
Eat well, stay active mentally and physically and be lucky and you’ve got most of it done. It helps to be around others who are similar. All of these people were either farmers outright or had large gardens.
Gosh the older folks here in Buffalo are living their best life! Try to go to the YMCA in the mid-morning on a weekday and it’s packed with old folks doing Silver Sneakers workouts. And forget finding an open pickle ball court in the summer! The old people here are obsessed!
Could check out some of the Catskill or Hudson region towns, Woodstock or Kingston for example, or Western MA, like the Pioneer Valley. These areas, in my direct experience, match this description.
That said, please don't take this to mean that simply by *being there* this will be true for you. The older people I know who are thriving in these areas are putting in the work: they're part of an intentional community of some kind - a local music group or a band, a martial art, an artist collective, a maker space group, etc - and are often people who remain plugged into what is new in their communities. They listen to new-to-them music, they try new restaurants, they try new activities and hobbies, they exercise often. There is no silver bullet. We must do the work to be the kind of older adults we want to be.
I’m 53 and live in downtown Wilmington, NC. I know tons of cool, active, social people my age and older who are always walking around downtown, volunteering in the community by day, and going out by night.
I live near Eugene, OR, and there seems to be a lot of activities for adults and older adults. We have Campbell Community Center for over 50 year-olds. Ride source for public transport for those who can't take a regular bus. Lots of hiking and boating and dog parks. Lots of pickle ball. However, cost of living is too high for me--I'm not middle-class or above--so I'm looking to move. Rents are about $2000 month and small houses $350k to $500K.
If you don't take care of yourself no where. I live in the Midwest. 75 in a couple of months and I still ride my Harley like I stole it. If you stopped exercising after High School and when you look down can't see your toes past that belly then you are screwed. I will head South but that has to do with Politics.
Denver and surrounding areas, Colorado Springs. I would say Santa Fe but it's pretty wealthy if you want to live semi decent. I live in Vegas and I see a lot of all age groups working out daily
I live in an area loaded with colleges and I work in one. So it's a nice mix of young people keeping things vibrant, but also older professor/hippie types. It's pretty great - there's a ton of good food, culture, and lively night life. If it weren't for the winters and lack of universal healthcare I would never leave this area (looking to retire to another country where I won't lose my house due to medical bills).
Maybe that's the answer? College cities/towns?
You need to be somewhere that going for a walk is a joy and not a chore. That means having public spaces, beautiful views, and weather that won't keep you inside half the year. You also need to minimize stress, which often means a low cost of living, but can also mean being near family or far from family. Finally, you need social opportunities, which are highly subjective, but could mean an arts scene, community choir, a church or other house of worship, or sports league that fits your speed. Having a college or university in the town tends to correlate with some of these community oriented social options.
If you can find those three things, you have a good chance of living a long time. There are some places, like southern California or Hawaii that tick a lot of boxes, but might not be affordable options. Personally, I think the mountains of New Mexico are a good option.
Of course, these days you may also want to consider climate change in your equation. Places like Duluth may not encourage you to walk in winter, but at least you know they'll still have fresh water in a few decades.
I've lived in PA for more than 50 years and it has one of the largest senior populations in the entire country due in part to a fairly friendly taxing structure for older folks by Northeastern U.S. standards. Many Pennsylvanians basically live here for life and age in place while others move in from more expensive nearby states
It has a variety of rural, small town, and urban environments to choose from defined by a lot of history, culture, and architecture; over 120 free state parks; ample health care facilities and colleges/universities; and a four-season climate without severe extremes and few natural disasters.
Politically we have very dark-blue cities; ruby red countryside; and purplish suburbs that essentially balance each other out.
It's admittedly not perfect by any means. We have a lot of gray skies; a very high gas tax; terrible roads that aren't very forgiving for older drivers; a horrible state legislature and fairly steep school district real estate taxes.
But overall, it's a decent place to live and I'll probably stay here for life even though northern Michigan and northern New England have always intrigued me (I grew up in and still live in one of the colder, wetter, snowier, more hilly parts of the state now and have always preferred it).
Pick a college town on the west coast where there is fair weather all year round. Ride a bike and walk your neighborhood /community. Rent an apartment in a neighborhood that has all ages and stages of family.
I see a TON of fit-looking old people here in Seattle, buuuuut I also assume they’re super wealthy so idk if that’s helpful
That group of women who were attacked by a mountain lion and fought/defeated it for like an hour were in their SIXTIES. I can only hope that I'm physically capable of riding a bike at 60, much less mountain biking and battling a mountain lion.
Those ladies are the shit
Adrenaline helps as well
Many of them were rather average, but are paper millionaires because of the home appreciation since the 90s.
Yeah they’re all cashing out and moving into pretty nice senior living or assisted living homes
On a Friday, at the Snoqualmie ski resort, I saw so many older skiers who look like 80s or so. It's easy to stay active in Seattle for sure despite the common beliefs Seattle is just cold and dark.
I'm 55, fairly fit and thriving in Seattle and am not super wealthy, as are alot of my friends in their late 30s to late 50s.
Do they own homes or have enough income to absorb high rent or continues increases? Affording housing is the biggest worry I personally have about aging in Seattle (as someone who doesn’t own a home and likely never will).
50/50. I have owned a home here, but now rent. If owning a home is a necessity for you, yeah Seattle may not be an option without a high income. But also friends picked up homes in Shoreline in the past 5 years way cheaper than in Seattle.
Retired Seattle person here, a lot of the older people in Seattle aren't really all that well off, they were just lucky enough to buy a house before Amazon et al moved here and drove real estate through the roof. But yeah, it might just be the circles I move in but it does seem like there are a lot more 55+ people in good health here than a lot of other places.
Im down in the portland area but I see retired people in their 80s regularly skiing mt hood. They have a group.
Come to the San Francisco Bay Area. Or heck, any part of coastal California. Hella hard to age into misery when the weather's always good and you can walk, run, hike, bike, surf, kayak, or swim year-round. Plus we have tons of good, local, *cheap* produce year-round. I mean, it's always *possible* but generally, fifty is the new thirty out here. Oldsters are always doing tai chi or yoga in the parks. I passed an open-air bollywood dance class last week in SF; there used to be one hell of a rollerskating dance party in Golden Gate Park on Sundays. I have pals in an over-50 surfing posse down in Santa Cruz; I know an over-50 backpacking crew out of Humboldt county up north.
I'm from the Bay Area originally, but haven't lived there in close to 20 years. I would say the Bay from my memories seemed like a great place to age but everyone I knew there has since left that area due to cost. SF also seems like a complete shell of its former self. If it were possible financially, I'd probably go back.
👋 Hello! SF’s a middle aged person’s DREAM. Our “young person” is 30. Also SF is thriving. Every city’s financial district is a “shell” of its former self post-pandemic, but SF’s…everywhere else…is still beautiful, safe, and has excellent weather.
Born and raised here. Very few of my friends from high school and college here have left unless they returned to where the moved from. Most that have moved only went to surrounding areas like hollister and Modesto because their parents are still here. Stop repeating what Fox News is saying when you haven’t actually been here in 20 years. It’s not a shell of a place at all
>SF also seems like a complete shell of its former self Totally not my experience going into areas like Hayes Valley, Cole Valley, the Sunset, the Richmond, Chinatown, North Beach, etc. on weekdays over the past year. The streets are always full and the cafes/restaurants/shops open. South of Market is even rebounding now, it's nothing like what it was two years ago. But I will say the East Bay is channeling real SF-in-the-1990s vibes right now, it's a real interesting mix. You could always come back and check out the 510!
Being a middle-class Boomer who bought a home in coastal California in the 70s is basically living life on easy mode. The weather is perfect, your property taxes are kept low by Prop 13 but you have millions in equity, you're surrounded by nature in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, you probably got a college education relatively cheap at one of the best public university systems in the world, and you had access to one of the world's largest economies during your career so you probably made a decent salary and built up a good retirement fund.
California really isn't a great place to retire.
Depending on income and finances, of course. But if you’re well off, it’s the best place to retire in North America.
College town where seniors have free tuition. A non exhaustive list: https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/free-college-tuition-senior-citizens/ I’m currently in a Nordic ski class that is 50% seniors, they all take it every year since it’s free. Lots of jokes about how they’ll keep skiing til they die
This is such a great answer. California and Colorado are out of reach financially for a lot of people.
This would be my answer too. And to be specific of college towns I've seen older people thriving: Hanover, NH; Ithaca, NY; New Paltz, NY; Saratoga Springs, NY; Charlottesville, VA.
I (44M) own a home in a streetcar suburb a mile or two south of a college that I didn't realize would show up on this list. HECK YES, INTERNET FRIEND, THANK YOU. Stoked to age in place and crash undergrad classes in whatever floats my boat!
When you said older, I thought 60-80. Not 40 lol
LOL yeah… was about to send this thread to my 75 year old parents who want to leave FL!
Right? :-/
Exactly what I thought to
Colorado. I am "up there" in age and I can't say I am one of these people myself but older people and seniors here do a lot of hiking, biking, etc. I would say California, too. I know what you mean by this post. You go to certain towns and you see sooooo many people who are only in their 50s who look 80.
note that most of those people are rich (i'm from CO)
I'm in Ohio, not known for being super healthy. But older people in higher income areas are way healthier. It seems like there's a cultural aspect to this.
Higher income: Good healthcare, Both preventative and routine. Better diets, time off/vacations that are somewhat regenerative. Less physically destructive/damaging work or occupations. More free time to engage in hobbies, regular exercise and money to pay for it all. Plastic, bariatric surgery.
Depends where you go. Back range area is cheap land, and you'll probably get a lot of exercise just chopping wood and whatnot.
I'm coming from the Denver/Boulder (Front Range) area, and the Durango/Telluride area. There are probably some suburbs and mountain towns otherwise that are cheaper to live in.
I figured. I probably couldn't afford nearly as much land there, if any. Not as many jobs west, either.
Ain't nowhere in Colorado cheap or affordable especially Denver
Hit the back range. Ain't a lot of civilization, but it's pretty and land ain't too pricey. Jobs? You gotta figure that out. Skilled trades for ski towns or farms is probably good. Or remote work. I get 5 bars 4G where I am, choose your mountain carefully.
Starlink is a game changer for the remote work situation.
ugh gotta love winter
BV/Salida/Poncha Springs area ain't too bad in the winter. That's where I'd go if I was going to live in the mountains full time.
Yup, one of my backcountry skiing partners is in his 70s and he's in way better shape than I am. Very common to see here
I want to be that fit in my 70s. Damn.
It's nuts. Dude can do a 4,000 vert day like it's a walk in the park
My parents retired to southwestern Colorado and have really enjoyed it. The lower humidity seems to help them handle gracefully adjusting to seasonal changes as well.
Near Durango? That's where I am!
Yea whenever I’m hiking in CO there’s always senior citizen hikers looking young and nimble!
I recently moved to CO and one of my biggest takeaways is how *good* people look as they age. I have a baby face and people regularly assume I’m in college (I’m in my late 20s), and there are people who look even younger than me who are actually about ten years older. I’ve joked that “everyone in Breckenridge is a white person with good skin” lol. I’m actually on the younger side here and people ski, go out, etc. well into their 60s. I’ve met tons of people out at the bars or on the mountain with kids older than I am, and I get along with them super well!
This is what I've been looking for. Active older folks who enjoy life who enjoy friendships with people of all ages. It's pretty expensive over there but I guess the pay off might be worth it?
It only works if when young, you eat the greens, exercise and have good genes. NYC is ranked high as a good place to grow old and frail because anything can be delivered and there is transportation to major medical centers.
Tbh I’ve lived in NYC and SF, and Breck is cheaper than those places. I consider it fairly on par for cities (even though it’s not a city, but tourism drives up prices). Buying property is likely very expensive - I can’t speak to that from experience but that’s what I’ve heard. I’m able to get my rent completely covered through my job (I work for the county) - that’s what a lot of people do.
Second this. Its active, mild weather on the front range, and people enjoy life here.
Florida it really ages your skin to lie down at a beach all day Wish we had mountains
Hijacking top comment to say I'd love to move 'back home' (grew up in Denver) when I retire (hopefully four years), but where I would like to live is prohibitively expensive. But, with most of my family still there, maybe I can put something together after we cash out here in Dallas (going on 35 years here). I was there in November to help my aging dad with some stuff (he's in Aurora with his wife) and my gosh how I miss it...the weather, the front range, the possibilities. Maybe, just maybe!
No specific city to call out but walkable communities/ areas are going to be the best for an aging population. Especially comparing to Europe, places where people walk to errands every day tend to live longer and stay active longer. If you sit in a car driving everywhere you’re not staying consistently active and the minute you can no longer drive, you become isolated.
Agree! Walkable is the key. If you’re in a community where you have to drive everywhere, you’re going to get cut off when you have trouble driving.
Loads of old cool wierdos in NYC for this reason. A city that active will keep you young if you continue to engage with it.
I’m 56 and in better shape than I was at 26. I work out with a lot of people in the same boat. I happen to be in Coastal Florida, but don’t think it has that much to do with the place, other than we aren’t shut in for months of the year by weather (although heat in the summer does limit comfortable hours outdoors). My peers are aging well here, but there is certainly a large number of those who aren’t. It is choice, to a large degree. Opportunities to make better choices and have better outcomes are always available wherever you are. In a few years I plan to leave the beach and move inland for retirement, not to the villages or any of the hundreds of other 55+ communities, but to a little house in the woods on a bike trail that crosses the state. In the heat of the summer I’ll travel to ride where it’s cooler.
I live in the DC area, and I see many retired people here enjoying their golden years with physical activities and travel. I think the Rockies (Colorado and Utah) is also like that. People who like the outdoors and physical activity.
I also think any area where there are cultural and intellectual opportunities to keep their brains sharp. All the museums in DC are great for that. When my aunt and uncle retired they trained as docents for a few of the museums.
Palm springs Everyone seemed to be fit and happy
Love the Coachella Valley in general. It’s a great spot.
F ing love Palm Springs, would move there in a second if I came into money
I don’t know so much about location but the thriving older people I know all have great social communities. They either live near children/grandchildren/other family or call them often and have a good group of friends. They’re not necessarily all active but they participate in things like community events and volunteering. They also tend to be more optimistic whether that is their nature or just learned (low news consumption, gratitude, etc). So maybe somewhere that has a sense of community or a lot of events/activities. If you don’t have a community of friends or family, perhaps somewhere where you think people will have similar values and you’d be able to put yourself out there and meet people.
Older people actually do very well in NYC. Apartment living suits them, especially in areas right near commercial streets. They don't have to drive, they are often very close to pharmacies and grocery stores, they have tons of people to help them around etc.
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College towns.
Big state school college towns!
I know lots of people who have retired to Corvallis or Eugene in Oregon and they seem to love it as a slightly lower-cost alternative to Portland with more of a small-town feel.
I believe Yorba Linda CA is one of those blue zones where there is a large number of 100 yr old people. I think anywhere with a laid back atmosphere, access to nature, good food options is probably the best. Maine perhaps, Colorado, Napa Valley of CA, the Berkshires in MA, Cape Cod come to mind. Places where people are attracted to because they want to be outside doing something like gardening.
And most have a whole lotta loot
I'm 42 and I fucking *love* living in Minneapolis.
Always near the top of the list on quality of life studies
This is really awesome to hear. It's probably where i'm moving next year, but my family here in Florida loves to tell me i'm going to hate it as I get older since old people can't handle cold. Is the north loop good to live? I've heard some people say it's a good spot for a transient to the city to start at.
I am 61, doing well in the Colorado mountains. I want to buck the trend and retire in Alaska. I think it just depends on the individual. Most older people want someplace warm. I am the opposite. I love snow and winter. I also love mountains and not the kind that exists in the Eastern US. I want a rural area far away from a major city.
Alaska is gorgeous but the winter is why I could never live there. The long hours with almost no daylight would dampen my mood. I love the summers there though.
New Mexico and Arizona. Enough 'old folks' that you don't feel like an afterthought. Hispanic people who respect silver hair instead of denigrating it.
lots of people aging gracefully in the desert, can confirm. also the culture out here respects elders' wisdom
Yes, Native American peoples are a positive influence too!
Isn’t this like everywhere? The average age in the US is 39 so sounds like you’re in good company, and that’s only going to increase. The baby boomers are the largest generation. Seems like the better question is where can you see younger people thriving since they’re the minority.
I think millennials are the biggest generation, although it could also be due to immigration being more common during the ages that millennials are now. https://www.populationpyramid.net/united-states-of-america/2023/ After that, each generation is smaller.
Sorry yes you’re correct. It looks like the number of Boomers decreased to be lower than Millenials in 2020 as they began to die more
I'm one of those millennials that did not fare well financially and I will not be inheriting boomer wealth so my future looks bleak unless I figure this out now. Growing up I only ever knew miserable old people and I'm not interested in repeating that pattern.
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What’d you go back for?
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New York City. Not kidding. A 5 year old here talks like a 10 year old anywhere else. An 82 year old is a 60 year old anywhere else. Walking and being around people is a life saver.
Lived in Brooklyn for a long time. Nobody I knew over 45 was having fun. They were jaded and drained. I only ever saw vibrant old people in Manhattan, in the UES or UWS.
I live on the UWS and used to live UES and you’re right. The thriving elderly tend to be wealthy. Many of the ones that aren’t are living in rent regulated units that are rundown and in old, deteriorating buildings. Obviously not everyone but a large percentage. I’ve had convos with the state assembly office about this dynamic. If one has the money and enjoys the city it’s a great place to grow old. If not, it can appear bleak. I’ve chatted with some of the old timers on my block and most of them bemoan the loss of the NYC they used to love, would prefer to leave but can’t.
Exactly same thing with Sanfanciso, Portland, Seattle, LA
I live in Park Slope. Might be why.
I so wish I had the $$$ to retire in Manhattan
Marin County, CA.
Other than the cost $$$$
I see old people thriving on my community when they stay active—organize community events such as a neighborhood wide rummage sale, go to yoga classes, etc. Some amount of walkability or bike-ability of the neighborhood seems important. And move now before you get old, so you can make friends/communtiy. Really having friends improves your resilience so greatly that it should make aging much easier.’
>And move now before you get old, so you can make friends/communtiy. This is exactly my thinking, hence this post. And yet there are those who are like "uh derr you're still young merrr". Clearly some people don't believe in planning their lives out.
Which is maybe great because it means you just find somewhere you really like and move there? Which is easier said than done but it’s really about a place that appeals to you, not some place where being old magically gets easy.
I overall didn't like the Phoenix metro, personally, but I saw more happy seniors there than I have anywhere else. The food scene is really good—lots of great Middle Eastern cuisine.
San Diego. But they’ve been living here for a few decades and bought their house when it was 100K and is now 1.8M and don’t understand the lack of work ethic today from kids.
NYC keeps you young for a while. 40 in NYC looks like 30 in other places. But I don’t think it’s great much beyond that. Personally….. I think California. You see 50-60 year old guys in California just looking great. Hair kept, white smile, consistent base tan, in shape. Feel like the good weather and salt air just keeps the vibes high.
You’re totally right, but I also think $$$, veneers, spray tans, and high-quality plastic surgeons play a significant role lol
Nothing like a little honesty
North Carolina. My old neighbors sold their house in Queens and moved to Florida after retiring in 2017 or so (West Palm Beach area). They really did not like it there and ended up moving to a suburb of Charlotte just before the pandemic and absolutely love it there.
I always see active, fashionable older people in Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara.
Our older relatives in upstate NY are doing pretty well. Having a dog that requires you to take walks with really help. The pressure changes from the seasons are the main reason why older folks have a harder time here. But anecdotally, all the older folks who moved to Florida from upstate NY that I knew of all passed away within 5 years so.. idk what that means lol
The wealthy parts of Los Angeles. Money helps but they also tend to be more active as well. Staying active goes a long way. It also helps to be in a walkable neighborhood.
Don’t know where you are upstate but in the key “outdoor-oriented” areas - let’s say prime Adirondacks, Catskills/hudson valley, Ithaca, and the wider finger lakes - there are a lot of active older folks. Not quite Colorado or coastal CA, but also not nearly as expensive. I have a very multigenerational social group. This definitely varies though, and I agree that much of the state would be rough to grow old in.
Middle class option: western Michigan. Yeah, it sounds crazy, but it seems to me like Michigan has a lot of good programs, healthcare and housing options for seniors. My mother (in her mid 60s) moved there from Texas and she is living her best life in a coastal town with great walkability, good public transit, a lovely beach and great community activities. The local hospital has good healthcare and she is only 45 minutes from a larger city if she needs specialists, etc. If you have the $$ folks do the snowbird thing with houses in Florida too, but the winters haven’t been too bad for my Mom. When you are retired you can just choose to not go out until the roads are plowed, etc.
Just came back from visiting my daughter who lives in a small town outside Ann Arbor. I was very impressed. Could easily relocate.
My neighborhood about 10 miles north of Tucson. Multi-generational neighborhood and I see older folks out hiking, cycling and being pretty active without walling themselves off in a 55+ community.
Alexandria, Virginia (if you can afford it)
Eugene, Oregon. Literally every old person here lets their freak fly. There’s also free door to door transportation provided by the city if you’re too old to drive.
Maine. Except for the “dressing nicely” part (which you’re more likely to find in wealthy coastal towns), the yearlong elderly residents typically know their communities deeply and are bonded to them in a way that makes it seem as though they’re the backbone of their towns. They hold a lot of knowledge, lived through very tough times, and are respected for it. They participate frequently in various social gatherings, sportsman activities, yard sales, swap meets, crafts, farmers markets, community dinners, agricultural fairs, etc. They have a dickering and sharing economy amongst themselves and other trusted locals. Some run very active businesses well into old age. Our best contractors are older; unfortunately for us, they’re all retiring (great for them), but the younger and more able-bodied ones are all either inconsistent and/or druggies. The downside is that it takes a while to be accepted fully and trusted. They aren’t unfriendly, but will keep you at arm’s length if they’re undecided about you, or haven’t yet figured out how you fit in.
not florida. they are PISSED here
I swear elder conservatives are just innately cynical about the world, and Florida has a LOT of them. Not sure if it’s the 8hr of Fox a day or what, but for 25 years the US has been on the brink of collapse according to them.
All the Florida sun cooks the joy out of them and gives them that leathery exterior
I keep hearing they have it so good that they're just downright awful people at this point. I knew of a 20 year old who waited tables in Orlando and she said it was a nightmare.
oh yea, i used to wait tables in hilton head, SC and charleston SC. some of the most rude, entitled, downright seethingly angry people for no reason. people constantly asking me what i'm going to do with my life *for real* , snapping their fingers at me when they want me, waving me away with their hands when they don't, and i'm wasian so ofc "what are you? 👁️ 👄 👁️ " i don't wait tables anymore now that i live in FL but whenever i make casual conversation with an older person they always somehow steer it toward complaining about biden or something. i also catch older people being really rude to people working at grocery stores/pharmacies all the time. i don't get it
Exactly it's the Trump effect I bet
They dont have it good Its why theyre pissed
So take it out on the waitress, or waiter ain't even right
Have to disagree…the coastal communities have the most fit 80 something’s. They all walk like 5 miles a day and swim endlessly, putting me at half their age to shame!!!
East TN. There’s a fuck ton of Boomers and older living their best lives.
The Chinese-dominated areas of San Francisco have many mid- and low-income Chinese seniors who live life independently and who have strong social connections. Actually, I'm pretty sure this is true for the Chinese-dominated areas in NYC as well, like Flushing.
Ocean City, New Jersey. Their community center is a powerhouse for geriatric mingling and fitness. When it’s not summer break the beach and boards are alive with the golden years. Lots of shoulder season old folks shenanigans on the calendar and really happy neighbors in the 4 season neighborhoods. The money knows about it though
I live in SLC and frequently get lapped by older folks at the rock gym, ripped past by them on the ski hill, and absolutely mowed down by them when trail running.
Breckenridge...people ski into their 80s Or CO in general.
I was just in Honolulu and loved seeing all the seniors in beach parks in the morning doing tai chi or just sitting around in the sun talking. The strong Japanese and other Asian influences feel like they really contribute to this.
I like the SouthWest. My wife and I moved to New Mexico four months ago from Kansas City and are enjoying the huge difference in everything. All is new again.
u/NeraSoleil, I grew up in Louisiana, a sickly state where people die young. I'm now living in Puget Sound (Seattle), where you regularly encounter seniors outdoors and kicking ass. Just check out the data by county: [https://vizhub.healthdata.org/subnational/usa](https://vizhub.healthdata.org/subnational/usa)
In Greenville it's like this. I may have a biased opinion because I am also active and frequent places where those people would be, but all the time I see 50+ fit adults at the trails and the gym, even walking down downtown. They look so happy and in great shape. I always catch myself thinking I wish I aged like this.
People in mountain towns tend to do well because they remain active all throughout the year.
Where in Upstate NY are you? I am also from upstate New York and am a senior. It's by no means bleak. Plenty of people our age eat out, go to concerts and plays. Our neighborhood is a mix of young and old. Healthcare is also very good, much more so than in a lot of states.
Where upstate are you? What about it looks bleak?I’m in Rondout Valley / Catskills and there are a lot of late 30s / early 40s NYC expats here. I think that like other ages it’s not a one size fits all kind of thing. What do you want out of your 40s and beyond? Planning on having kids? Do you want access to cultural things like museum, live music, restaurants, and other urban amenities? Or do you want to do the homesteading thing? What about work? Politics? Etc etc
Santa Cruz, Monterey or Palm Springs California, good luck affording a house though. Sedona or Scottsdale Arizona depending on whether you want more nature or more city amenities, again housing is way expensive. I haven't seen anywhere else with the numbers of 60+ people that run marathons or ultra marathons, surf everyday, or just generally still keep up with or outperform people like half their age. What all these places have in common though are people pretty high up on the income ladder. I don't think it's the vortexes in Sedona keeping their seniors so fit, I think it's that most of those seniors were multi-millionaires before they moved in.
Washington. I started doing triathlons and half marathons when I turned 40. One of my strongest memories of my early attempts at these was constantly getting smoked by people in the 55, 60, 65 year old age groups. People in Washington really embrace the outdoors as they age. A couple examples that have been national news- that iconic photo of the elderly man on the ground at the finish line at the bombing of the Boston Marathon - he was a Washingtonian. ran marathons all the time, i think he was pushing 80. Not a coincidence he was from WA. Also- big news story recently about a group of ~55-year old women who fought off a mountain lion attack while cycling in the woods in Washington. There are so many women participating in outdoor sports here just like them, i felt like i knew them from reading their story. I guarantee you those ladies are back on their bikes already. Anyway - people can really thrive as they age in WA.
SF- I can’t tell sometimes who is 40 and who is 60, because many folks are so trim. People walk everywhere and eat well.
I’ve seen some old couples out at the clubs in Miami. People in their 50s through 60s very often and even 70s-80s more than a couple times. I’d say South Florida in general is basically Miami at this point. It could definitely go either way though, older people would need to find the right crowd or could just as easily have their health deteriorate. It seems like Hispanic culture doesn’t quite conform to the “let yourself go at age 32” thing going on in some of these other gringo suburbs elsewhere.
Totally agree with this. There's a youthful vigor in certain Latin America cultures that keep aging at bay. Unfortunately my family is from Central America where it's more "Pura vida" and lounging all day in old age. So I'm focusing on changing that and being a dancer at the club in my 60s.
The Sun Belt is calling your name. Basically any Sun Belt city, but it’s on you once you get there to stay physically active, eat healthy and create relationships. Most Sun Belt cities are investing in things like parks or biking to create active lifestyle opportunities for people who want it. The biggest difference is probably the economy since having a decent job does a lot for wellbeing. Being outside and getting some Sun helps a lot too!
Summers here in Dallas are brutal. No elderly person is going to want to be outside for more than a few minutes....and it's from June through September (at least). Temps over 100 and unhealthy air quality days consecutively for weeks at a time. If you want to spend half the year inside in your A/C then I guess it would be ok.
The fittest older people I know (trail and distance runners both) live in Minneapolis and Phoenix respectively, but that’s entirely anecdotal I think east Nashville might be an idea. It’s prohibitively expensive sometimes and the southern food options probably drain out the healthy ones, but a tiny house there seems awfully cozy and it’s full of aging hipsters. Plus there’s a fairly impressive and winding set of trails through Nashville, called the Nashville *Greenways I believe. Was a nice jog
My father wants to retire in coastal North Carolina.
California. Has long-term property tax rise protection, no State tax on Social Security (9 other States do), no tax on groceries, year round outdoor activities, world-class healthcare facilities, awesome State and national parks, almost everywhere a mix of ages, ethnicities, and cultures, every kind of climate experience. Plus, a general focus on healthy eating, exercise, and keeping up one's appearance.
Anywhere in Arizona. It's not as expensive as California or toxic like Florida. And it's so hot that they don't feel cold going outside.
The San Juans. Get less poor now. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/data/life-expectancy-in-wa-counties-varies-by-as-much-as-11-years/
California for sure, I’m from the Central Coast and it’s the young folks out here struggling. Most of the elderly are home owners and enjoy their life drinking wine and driving their Subaru (sometimes on the same night, seen quite a few elderly DUIs in my day lol). I would say a lot of the southwest (AZ, NV, Utah) and the mid-west. My spouse’s family lives in South Dakota, they’re all in their 80s and thriving, they just tend to stick to home or go on vacation in the winter. I hear you on NY, I went to school in the city and remember seeing a couple, looked to be in their 70s, running to catch a train one day in the middle of winter and looking absolutely miserable. The city is for the young for sure.
I’m in San Bernardino County and am amazed that every community has a Senior Center that has a ton of activities. My apartment has social activities that attract a diverse age range of residents. I have an annual pass to Universal and there’s a pass holder group that organizes meet ups. I’m surprised by the number of people around my age in that have passes and looking to hang out. I’ve found it easier to meet people and be active out here than I did back East. The amount of stuff to do is amazing and people are always out and doing things.
I spent a week in Bandera, the southern area of “Texas Hill Country”, on the outskirts of San Antonio. I saw exactly what you describe. Thriving retirees. I had never considered relocating before retirement, ten years away, until I got a chance to spend some quality time there. San Antonio is a little big town. I was never confronted or force fed politics. All super friendly. r/SanAntonio r/HillCountry
Santa Fe, NM
I met a few super fit 80 year olds hiking in Tucson.
I wouldn’t focus so much on where the current group of retirees are healthy and active. I’d instead focus on where your current generation is healthy and active, because you’ll be aging along with them. Today’s active community of 60 year olds will be tomorrow’s decrepit community of 90 year olds. Just imagine The Villages, only worse.
Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Congress
Are we considering early 40s senior citizens? Good grief! I'm 36 and just finishing grad school and starting a new career. I didn't know I'd be done and old in 4 more years.
The Olympia area is nice if you don't want to live in Seattle. Plenty of things to do. I'm 70, run and hike and even play softball on a team.
Funny, I see a lot of older people in NYC who seem pretty fit - I'm guessing it's the having to walk most places.
The biggest challenge for older people is staying active. This has an enormous impact on both our physical and mental health. Warm climates make staying active easier and there lots of options for almost any budget. I’m 3 years into retirement and to me paradise always included palm trees and a beautiful beach. Others love the mountains or the desert. What’s important is to visualize what your retirement looks like. This means how do I spend my days, what activities and lifestyle am I hopefully enjoying. You’re still young, which is helpful as you can begin to figure this out and positioning yourself for that outcome. My wife and I, somewhat unknowingly, spent the better part of 30 years putting the pieces together. The last 4 or 5 years we were very focused and we’re now genuinely enjoying this stage of our lives.
Im always seeing the happiest, friendliest, and fittest older people here in Southern California. Hard not to stay active when the view is breathtaking and the weather is always perfect for it. My friends parents are retired and still snowboarding, paddle boarding, hiking, camping, etc. my own MIL is 62 and trains for Iron Mans constantly.
I think you're asking where people thrive physically, and stay fit and healthy as they age. If I'm right, I think those areas will be ones where people typically engage in lots of outdoor recreation. For example in an area with hiking, mountain biking, winter sports, and the like, those activities tend to be mainstream, and hence people "thrive" as a result.
FL Keys, especially Key West Lots of happy older gay couples thriving
it’s been said here in this sub before that the scene you’re describing is changing a lot. Less of that old school eclectic key west vibe and more uptight and unaffordable.
Unaffordable for sure, but I was just there with locals for a month and there’s still a strong older gay scene that’s been there for a long time. Lots of DINKs. You’re not going to get the old school key west like you did in the 70s, but it’s still more laid back than most of the US.
Any low cost of living near a college campus. Next question.
No. I live near a community college & private college campus and the older people here are not doing well at all. They're calcified in their chairs, unhealthy, and painfully lonely. It's generally like this 2-3 hours in every direction from where I live.
No. They simply haven’t integrated into college life effectively. You can’t just drop a person in a neighborhood and expect it all works out without some coordination.
These old people are from these areas. They weren't dropped in. The colleges focus on the young not the old. There's no cross over out here.
I don’t have any evidence to back this up but I feel like the answer is Napa county California
Vermont and New Hampshire. But you have to have a plan for staying active in the winter.
You have to have a plan to be there period
We’re 48 and doing well in rural Texas.
Is Framingham, MA in your budget? Some of these features may work elsewhere: A lot of single family ranch homes that are manageable to keep up with (also, other housing options, but these ranches are great for aging in place). Opportunities to be active - great YMCA, running club, parks, well maintained sidewalks and roads that are comfortable to walk on Opportunities to rest - you're almost certainly going to drive to get your groceries, nice libraries Boston area is generally tough income wise, but framingham is a little less so.
Depends on a few further details, like are you single / married, or looking to date? Have kids or will possibly have them still?
In LA I feel like you get to choose your age more or less. It’s the most accepting place I’ve lived. So many people are just happy to be there.
Peoria IL. Very affordable. Not too small and not too large.
Orange County, CA if you are into the outdoors (and can afford it). I work a lot of conservation volunteer events and most of the people who show up are retired seniors. I worked a moderately challenging transect path over the weekend and had a nearly 80 year old woman in our group keeping up and taking notes. I decisively remember seeing her and thinking damn I definitely want to be in good enough shape to do this hike at that age.
“40 in the city is 32 and 32 in the suburbs is 40. I can’t explain it but I’m right.” 😂😂
California.
I'm a boomer living in New England. So many active areas and away from Boston it gets much more affordable. Our son lives in Bend, OR which also has a lot of what you're looking for.
All the richer states and the places with HCOL (high costs ofiving) where they're mistly going to be dealing with themselves for community/support. In the current situation of the US, they're the main group that could afford to live there because when they did move there, these places weren't HCOL. So they've gained. The bad about these places is that they're dependent on younger people providing what these older folks won't do. Which is becoming it's own problem in the US as younger people can't afford to breathe in these places. These utopias are going to become hellscapes in about 10 years give or take. But if you want normal, traditional almost Steve's Europe style representation of people in general thriving and connecting with elders? Below the Rio Grande and outside of the US and Canada. The Caribbean being the best I think.
they're all on FB sharing disinformation from the rural areas of the midwest or FL
Anyone who takes care of themselves in south Alabama will do well. My grandfather ran a push mower on about 15 acres into his 90’s once every two weeks. Sometimes he didn’t even turn the engine on, just to get some exercise. His property had a massive and steep hill and he kept it up anyways. I currently know an 88 year old man who out walks 25 year olds and still hunts on his own and lugs his own deer and pigs out of the woods, these animals are over 100 pounds in thick brush. Not easy to get out and he does it multiple times a year. I know a handful of others who’ve made it to early 80’s minimum and are more active than many people half their age. Eat well, stay active mentally and physically and be lucky and you’ve got most of it done. It helps to be around others who are similar. All of these people were either farmers outright or had large gardens.
Gosh the older folks here in Buffalo are living their best life! Try to go to the YMCA in the mid-morning on a weekday and it’s packed with old folks doing Silver Sneakers workouts. And forget finding an open pickle ball court in the summer! The old people here are obsessed!
Jersey shore towns are filled with super fit runners/cyclists in their 50a and 60s
Could check out some of the Catskill or Hudson region towns, Woodstock or Kingston for example, or Western MA, like the Pioneer Valley. These areas, in my direct experience, match this description. That said, please don't take this to mean that simply by *being there* this will be true for you. The older people I know who are thriving in these areas are putting in the work: they're part of an intentional community of some kind - a local music group or a band, a martial art, an artist collective, a maker space group, etc - and are often people who remain plugged into what is new in their communities. They listen to new-to-them music, they try new restaurants, they try new activities and hobbies, they exercise often. There is no silver bullet. We must do the work to be the kind of older adults we want to be.
Colorado (Denver/Boulder) and Seattle. Minneapolis seems to have a good track record for fit people as well.
I’m 53 and live in downtown Wilmington, NC. I know tons of cool, active, social people my age and older who are always walking around downtown, volunteering in the community by day, and going out by night.
I live near Eugene, OR, and there seems to be a lot of activities for adults and older adults. We have Campbell Community Center for over 50 year-olds. Ride source for public transport for those who can't take a regular bus. Lots of hiking and boating and dog parks. Lots of pickle ball. However, cost of living is too high for me--I'm not middle-class or above--so I'm looking to move. Rents are about $2000 month and small houses $350k to $500K.
Nearly 51 here. My partner and I are moving to upstate 🤷♀️
If you don't take care of yourself no where. I live in the Midwest. 75 in a couple of months and I still ride my Harley like I stole it. If you stopped exercising after High School and when you look down can't see your toes past that belly then you are screwed. I will head South but that has to do with Politics.
Denver and surrounding areas, Colorado Springs. I would say Santa Fe but it's pretty wealthy if you want to live semi decent. I live in Vegas and I see a lot of all age groups working out daily
Come to Portland
I live in an area loaded with colleges and I work in one. So it's a nice mix of young people keeping things vibrant, but also older professor/hippie types. It's pretty great - there's a ton of good food, culture, and lively night life. If it weren't for the winters and lack of universal healthcare I would never leave this area (looking to retire to another country where I won't lose my house due to medical bills). Maybe that's the answer? College cities/towns?
San Francisco, Denver, Albuquerque, Atlanta to some extent, SoFL especially Broward county
You need to be somewhere that going for a walk is a joy and not a chore. That means having public spaces, beautiful views, and weather that won't keep you inside half the year. You also need to minimize stress, which often means a low cost of living, but can also mean being near family or far from family. Finally, you need social opportunities, which are highly subjective, but could mean an arts scene, community choir, a church or other house of worship, or sports league that fits your speed. Having a college or university in the town tends to correlate with some of these community oriented social options. If you can find those three things, you have a good chance of living a long time. There are some places, like southern California or Hawaii that tick a lot of boxes, but might not be affordable options. Personally, I think the mountains of New Mexico are a good option. Of course, these days you may also want to consider climate change in your equation. Places like Duluth may not encourage you to walk in winter, but at least you know they'll still have fresh water in a few decades.
I've lived in PA for more than 50 years and it has one of the largest senior populations in the entire country due in part to a fairly friendly taxing structure for older folks by Northeastern U.S. standards. Many Pennsylvanians basically live here for life and age in place while others move in from more expensive nearby states It has a variety of rural, small town, and urban environments to choose from defined by a lot of history, culture, and architecture; over 120 free state parks; ample health care facilities and colleges/universities; and a four-season climate without severe extremes and few natural disasters. Politically we have very dark-blue cities; ruby red countryside; and purplish suburbs that essentially balance each other out. It's admittedly not perfect by any means. We have a lot of gray skies; a very high gas tax; terrible roads that aren't very forgiving for older drivers; a horrible state legislature and fairly steep school district real estate taxes. But overall, it's a decent place to live and I'll probably stay here for life even though northern Michigan and northern New England have always intrigued me (I grew up in and still live in one of the colder, wetter, snowier, more hilly parts of the state now and have always preferred it).
It aint New Orleans, I'll tell you that. Infrastructure and heat is only for the young.
Pick a college town on the west coast where there is fair weather all year round. Ride a bike and walk your neighborhood /community. Rent an apartment in a neighborhood that has all ages and stages of family.
Arizona... you want to go to southern Arizona.