But despite recent decreases in the early death rate, both suicides and drug deaths have increased to the highest rates recorded since America’s Health Rankings began tracking them. Suicide rates rose by 5%, and drug deaths increased by 58%.

Community engagement and social support have been shown to improve the quality of life for older adults, contributing to better health outcomes such as reduced risk of disability, depression and dementia. Between 2021 and 2023, volunteerism rose by 19%. Access to high-speed internet among households with adults aged 65 and older -- a vital resource for work, education and effective communication -- also improved.

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“While improvements in social support and engagement are encouraging, poverty has worsened among older adults,” the report said. “The percentage of older adults aged 65 and older living below the poverty level increased 4% from 10.9% to 11.3% between 2022 and 2023. Poverty is a key social determinant of health, linked to increased exposure to environmental risks, health-related behaviors and a higher likelihood of chronic disease and premature death.”

The number of geriatric clinicians nationwide increased by 5%. However, in 2024, the rate of geriatric clinicians was 4.3 times higher in the state with the highest rate (Rhode Island) compared to the state with the lowest rate (South Dakota).. Researchers noted several other regional differences in the health of older Americans. Vermont and Maine, two states with large proportions of older adults, exhibited notable strengths in measures related to health outcomes. The healthiest state for older adults was Vermont, followed by Colorado, Washington, Utah and Connecticut. Mississippi was the least healthy, followed by Louisiana, West Virginia, Oklahoma and Kentucky.

“The data in this report underscore meaningful progress in recent years, including decreases in the early death rate and strengthened social connectedness among older adults,” the report concluded. “We encourage communities and leaders nationwide to leverage these insights -- along with the detailed state-level and demographic group data available across the America’s Health Rankings platform -- to amplify progress, confront ongoing challenges and promote the health and well-being of all older adults.”