Retirees can choose where they want to live, how much money they want to have and whether to trim their retirement costs. The one aspect of retirement that is truly out of their control? How long they will have to enjoy their golden years.
No one can completely dictate their health and lifespan, as much as we may wish we had that kind of power. We can eat healthfully and exercise, yes, but there’s still an element of the unknown.
But there’s no denying that certain states have a much higher average life expectancy than others. Studies have shown that differences in health care, pollution, weather and other regional factors are all important for longevity.
In the U.S., life expectancy after age 65 is 18.5 years, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. That means Americans who reach age 65 will live to age 83.5, on average.
The latest annual National Vital Statistics Report, issued by the federal government, ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia according to life expectancy after age 65. Here’s a look at the top states on that list, where life expectancy after age 65 is at least 19 years.
Connecticut
State’s life expectancy after age 65:
- Overall: 19 years
- Among females: 20.2 years
- Among males: 17.6 years
If you’re set to savor the long life expectancy enjoyed in Connecticut, be aware: The Nutmeg State recently ranked in the top 10 when it comes to the most expensive states in which to retire. But the state also has its charms. Danbury came in at No. 2 on a recent list of the best places to retire in the Northeast, with New Britain at No. 8.
Maine
State’s life expectancy after age 65:
- Overall: 19 years
- Among females: 20.1 years
- Among males: 17.8 years
Is Maine one of your mainstays? The rugged Pine Tree State landed at No. 4 on a recent list of the 10 best states for homeowners, thanks in part to an increase in home values, a low burglary rate and a low cost for average annual homeowners insurance. And Portland, Maine’s largest city, landed on a recent list of seven of the most beautiful places to retire in America.
Colorado
State’s life expectancy after age 65:
- Overall: 19 years
- Among females: 20.2 years
- Among males: 17.8 years
When you think of Colorado, do you think of schussing down a powdery ski run or perhaps hiking in the clear mountain air? Maybe those outdoor activities aid in keeping Colorado life expectancies so high. And they probably helped the state tie for fifth on a recent list of the top states where Americans want to retire.
Minnesota
State’s life expectancy after age 65:
- Overall: 19.1 years
- Among females: 20.2 years
- Among males: 17.9 years
Let’s address the polar bear in the room: Minnesota can get cold. But Minnesotans know from birth how to bundle up and enjoy their winter wonderland. Plus, Rochester’s Mayo Clinic recently ranked as the best hospital in the nation. Perhaps that’s why Minneapolis landed at No. 5 on a recent list of the best places to retire.
New Hampshire
State’s life expectancy after age 65:
- Overall: 19.1 years
- Among females: 20.3 years
- Among males: 17.9 years
The Granite State is among nine states where quality of life is improving for seniors. Seniorly reported that retirees in New Hampshire enjoyed the second-largest improvement in average Social Security benefits over the past decade. New Hampshire also made a recent list of 15 states with the fastest-growing economies.
Florida
State’s life expectancy after age 65:
- Overall: 19.2 years
- Among females: 20.6 years
- Among males: 17.7 years
This wouldn’t have surprised the Golden Girls, but among seven of the best places to retire on the East Coast, Florida cities fill four of the spots. Is the Sunshine State calling your name? Check out our list of the best cities to retire to in Florida.
Oregon
State’s life expectancy after age 65:
- Overall: 19.3 years
- Among females: 20.5 years
- Among males: 18 years
Oregon has stunning scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, and Portland, Oregon, was recently named No. 1 on a list ranking the top U.S. cities for hiking. But make sure your retirement fund is well-stuffed, because Oregon also turned up on a list of the worst states for retirees, mostly because of the cost of living.
Washington
State’s life expectancy after age 65:
- Overall: 19.5 years
- Among females: 20.6 years
- Among males: 18.2 years
Living in scenic Washington state isn’t cheap. Like neighboring Oregon, it landed on a recent WalletHub list of the worst states for retirees, and you can blame its priciness for that. But things are also improving for older citizens in the Evergreen State. Washington landed at No. 1 on a list of nine states where quality of life is improving for seniors.
Vermont
State’s life expectancy after age 65:
- Overall: 19.5 years
- Among females: 20.6 years
- Among males: 18.2 years
Retirees won’t be alone in the Green Mountain State. Vermont had the third-largest increase in seniors as a percentage of the total population during the past decade. That fact helped it rank high on the list of nine states where quality of life is improving for seniors. However — and you may be sensing a theme — high-quality life comes at a cost. Vermont also came in at No. 3 on WalletHub’s recent ranking of the least-affordable states for retirees.
California
State’s life expectancy after age 65:
- Overall: 19.5 years
- Among females: 20.9 years
- Among males: 17.9 years
Golden State residents enjoy the second-longest life expectancy of those who reach age 65. Need another incentive to sing “California, Here I Come”? California’s Property Tax Postponement Program lets eligible seniors, as well as blind and disabled residents, defer current-year property taxes.
Hawaii
State’s life expectancy after age 65:
- Overall: 21.0 years
- Among females: 22.7 years
- Among males: 19 years
If you’re hoping to live a long life, there are few better places than Hawaii, where the average life expectancy of someone who’s reached 65 is an additional 21 years.
As you might expect, it’s not cheap to live on an island chain where many staples must be imported from elsewhere — recent data showed Hawaiians are having their food budgets stretched the most by rising inflation. But bury your toes in the warm sand and gaze out over the breathtaking Pacific — you might decide it’s worth it.
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