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Connecticut Improves Its Ranking As A Healthy Place For Seniors

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- A new report ranks Connecticut as the 10th healthiest state for seniors, rising from 12th place last year, according to the third edition of United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings 2015 Senior Report.

Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Jewel Mullen

Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Jewel Mullen

Photo Credit: CT.gov

“This is yet another example of why Connecticut is such a great place to live, work, raise a family, and retire.  We’re one of the healthiest states in the nation, we have one if the most educated workforces, and more.  This report is another validation of our efforts to make Connecticut all that it can be,” Gov. Dannel Malloy said.

Connecticut ranked among the Top 10 states in 16 of 44 overall measurements that included behaviors, community and environment, policy, clinical care, and outcomes. Connecticut’s strengths include a high percentage of dental visits, a low percentage of seniors living in poverty, and low geriatrician shortfall.  Challenges included a high prevalence of chronic drinking, high percentage of low-care nursing home residents, and an increase in food insecurity among adults age 60 and older.

“The senior report helps us assess the status of senior health and build awareness of the breadth of issues facing older adults, and by extension, our communities,” Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Jewel Mullen said. “The data in the senior report can prompt individuals, communities, and organizations to confront many unmet needs of older adults, and help foster collaboration among a broad range of disciplines to promote healthy aging.”

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman agreed. “Connecticut has prioritized senior care initiatives to improve quality of life, access to programs and services, and supportive healthcare options,” she said. “By establishing the Department on Aging, expanding the Renter’s Rebate, and making a significant investment in housing, Governor Malloy and our state agencies improved resources for seniors and their families.”

Mullen said that projected doubling of the number of adults age 65 and older within the next few decades requires that public health leaders focus on the needs of older adults as they plan and implement population health-improvement initiatives.

“An older society presents opportunities as well as challenges,” she said. “By focusing on prevention and investing our public health resources with seniors in mind, we can help ensure that we not only are living longer, but living longer better.”

For more on the report. visit the America's Health Rankings website.

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