Could all those retirees in Florida and Arizona have it wrong? For decades, older Americans have migrated south once they left the workforce, settling in states where they can enjoy year-round sunshine. But according to a report from the Center for the Future of Aging at the Milken Institute—a think tank that focuses on economic and public policy issues—putting too much emphasis on the weather and 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:favorable tax laws doesn't necessarily lead to 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:happier living for retirees. As authors S🌸indhu Kubendran and Liana Soll state in the report:

"These factors are only part of the complex infrastructure and social context that affect health, productivity, and purpose as people age."

The institute created its own ranking of the best cities for successful aging, taking into account a unique set of factors, such as safety, access to healthc🌄are, financial security, and mobility. The team separated the list into two categories: one for large metropolitan areas, and one for smaller cities.

Top 5 Large Metros

Here are the five cities that ranked 🐎highest in the large metropolitan area category. Two of them are in Utah, starting with the number-one choice.

1. Provo-Orem, Utah

Topping the Milken list of best large cities for successful aging: the twin cities of Provo and Orem, Utah. Like many other cities on this list, the presence of a university—in this case, Brigham Young University—serves as a resource, creating an ideal spot for lifelong learners. It’s also a place that boasts a higher-than-average rate of volunteerism among older adults, proof that re♐sidents are willing to give back to their community.𓆏

And because they’re situated near five national parks in a state known for its natural beauty, the two cities also make it easy to lead an active lifestyle. Like Salt Lake City, residents in Provo and Orem have low rates of diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s.

2. Madison, Wisconsin

The runner-up among larger cities is Madison, the state capital and home of the University of Wisconsin. Despite its chillier winter temperatures, Madison residents do a lot of walking, thanks to its pedestrꦿian-friendly layout an🏅d reputation for safety.

The city ranked particularly high in healthcare measures, with access to a large supply of primary care and physical therapy providers. Many of the local hospitals offer geriatric, Alzheimer’s, and rehab units, making it easier to get the specialized care that some older individuals need.

3. Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Coming in third is another pair of college towns, Durham and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, which are home to Duke University and the University of North Carolina, respectively. Part of the state’s booming Research Triangle, the cities offer low unemployment among older adults and what Kubendran and Soll call a “culture of volunteerism.”

The area ranked highest among bigger metro regions for healthcare, in large part because of its top-tier hospitals and access to geriatric and Alzheimer’s services. It also enjoys a large number of primary 🦩care providers, making it simpler for residents to get basic medical services.

4. Salt Lake City, Utah

Surrounded by the majestic Great Salt Lake and the snow-capped Wasatch mountain range, Salt Lake City is the perfect home for seniors who enjoy the outdoors. It's no wonder, then, that it has one of the healthier adult populations in the country.

But that’s not all the city has to offer. It also has numerous cultural attractions and a high employment rate among those 65 and older. The latter contributes to a low incidence of poverty among older adults and low income inequality.

5. Des Moines-West Des Moines, Iowa

Even among the large metros in Milken’s ranking, cities that ranked highest tend to offer a high degree of livability and a low cost of living. Those attributes are certainly true of Des Moines and West Des Moines, a pair of 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:Midwestern cities in central Iowa.

According to the Milken study, the area hosts a strong business community—thanks to multiple insurance companies located there—and a relatively low cost for long-term care. It also has a flourishing cultural scene, which provides plenty to keep the local retirees engag𓆉ed.

Top 5 Small Metros

Here are the five cities that ranked highest in the small metropolitan area categoryꦫ. Iowa shows up again, with two of the five cities on🥂 this list, making it the state with the most attractive options for retirees in the top ten.

1. Iowa City, Iowa

Despite their colder winters, Midwestern towns dominate the list of best small metros. At the top of the list is Iowa City, where residents are in close proximity to the University of Iowa. Home to the ground-breakinꦰg Writers’ Workshop, the university has long been a hub for artists and storytellers.

A love of reading seems to spill over into the general population: residents are unusually active library users. Also working in the town’s favor is a strong public transportation systeꦜm and the avaꦛilability of specialty care providers.

2. Manhattan, Kansas

With access to a major Army base, Fort Riley, and Kansas State University, residents of this Midwestern town benefit from a stable economic environment and specialized medical care. One stand-out feature is its abundance of healthcare facilities for older adults, including rehab centers and Alzheimer’s units.

It’s also a pedestrian-friendly city with an ample supply of libraries and civic groups to keep retirees busy. In a𒁃ddition🦋, Manhattan has a high rate of volunteerism, suggesting that its residents feel connected to their community.

3. Ames, Iowa

One of the keys to staying young is keeping active, physically and cognitively. Ames, Iowa, a town of just over 66,000 residents, excels in both categories.

Despite its rather frigid winter weather, locals can take advantage of the city’s unusually high number of indoor fitness centers. And with Iowa State University and its own eclectic cultural scene, the town offers older adults a pretty good me﷽ntal workout, too.

4. Columbia, Missouri

Like a number of hig💖h-ranking cities, Columbia is an example of how college towns can be great places not just for younger adults, but for those getting up in years, too. The researchers note that the University of Missouri’s 💮presence helps contribute to a well-educated populace and a solid economic climate.

Other factors working in Columbia’s favor: affordable senior living facilities and a large number of home healthcare providers.

5. Sioux Falls, South Dakota

In the fifth spot is Sioux Falls, even though the average high temperature in January is just 23.4 degrees fahrenheit.

What the city has going for it is access to high-quality healthcare services and a robust local economy. It ranks near the top when it comes to income and small business growth. What’s more, Sioux Falls spends generously on its older population, helping residents mainta🎉in their independence into advanced age.

The Bottom Line

The Milken Institute study provides a fresh perspective on the qualities adults should seek in the city 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:where they’ll⛎ spend t♎heir later years. It suggests metro areas don’t have to have great year-round weather (or even 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:no income taxes) to be 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:an attractive destination iꦗn retirement. What matters more is considering all of✨ the factors that matter to you, and making the decision carefully, after thinking it over—and ove🍌r and over.