Wyoming ranks 37th, Idaho 22nd, Utah 2nd healthiest state for seniors

A report from United Health Foundation ranks Wyoming as the 37th and Idaho 22nd healthiest state in America for older people.

The foundation’s America’s Health Ranking 2017 Senior Report says Minnesota is the healthiest state for seniors, followed by Utah and Hawaii.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports Mississippi is the least-healthiest state for seniors, with Oklahoma and Kentucky at 48th and 49th places, respectively.

State rankings in the report are based on 34 factors, including smoking, excessive drinking levels, physical inactivity and obesity. The percentage of older people who live in poverty also is taken into account.

On the plus side, the report says Wyoming has a low percentage of senior residents who are in hospital intensive care units.

Wyoming also ranks high for home-delivered meals to seniors and community support.