America’s Health Rankings, the longest-running state-by-state analysis of health in the United States, finds gains in preventive health behaviors and the workforce caring for older adults — while worsening trends in mental and behavioral health, including drug deaths, excessive drinking and suicide, and food insecurity underscoring growing challenges.
The 14th edition of the report — which analyzes 56 measures from 25 data sources — also finds improvements in cancer screenings, physical inactivity and early death rates. At the same time, older adults were the only age group to experience an increase in drug deaths.
“The data captured in America’s Health Rankings – Senior Report show that while our nation has made meaningful progress in prevention and expanding the workforce that supports older adults, there are still urgent challenges that require focused attention, particularly related to behavioral health and substance use. This report helps communities understand where to build on progress and where to act.”
Dr. Rhonda Randall | executive vice president and chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual; United Health Foundation board member; senior medical advisor to America’s Health Rankings
Key findings
Workforce growth
Improvements in preventive health behaviors
Physical inactivity decline
Early death rate improvement
Drug deaths increase
Excessive drinking and suicide incline
Food insecurity increase
State rankings
Vermont ranks as the healthiest state for older adults, followed by Utah, New Hampshire, Minnesota and Colorado. Louisiana (No. 50) had the most opportunity to improve followed by Mississippi, Kentucky, Arkansas and West Virginia.
Turning data into action
UnitedHealth Group and the United Health Foundation use insights from America’s Health Rankings to guide investments and partnerships aimed at improving health for older adults — particularly in areas highlighted by the report.
That includes expanding in-home clinical care through programs like HouseCalls, which delivers millions of annual visits to help identify health and social needs; connecting older adults to community-based services such as nutrition, housing and transportation; and supporting initiatives that help older adults remain safely in their homes.
UnitedHealth Group is also investing in affordable housing and local partnerships that address underlying drivers of health, such as food insecurity and access to care.
Together, these efforts aim to translate data into practical solutions — helping communities target resources, expand access to care and support healthier aging across the country.
The full America’s Health Rankings 2026 Senior Report is available at www.AmericasHealthRankings.org, where users can explore national and state-level data and trends.
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