Population over 65: 16.8 percent

The details: Dayton scores well on education, living arrangements and health care, but low on wellness and financial security.

It’s an affordable place to live, with house prices and living costs well below the national average.

The city has plenty of green spaces, bike trails and a bike-share program, and good access to fitness and sports centers. Healthy funding for senior programs and senior transportation and a strong rate of older volunteering adds to Dayton’s livability.

Dayton provides good access to reasonable home health care services and nursing homes. The area has good access to diagnostic centers, rehab, geriatric and hospice units, and hospital beds. ER wait times are low.

The city offers a limited range of cultural, arts and sports events and facilities. Also, about 35 percent of residents live below the poverty level. Obesity, diabetes and smoking rates are high, and most residents are not active.

Affordable continuing-care facilities and assisted living options are scarce. Access to dialysis centers, long term hospitals and orthopedic specialists is limited.

Population over 65: 12.9 percent

The details: Oklahoma City scores well on financial security, living arrangements, employment and health care, but low on wellness.

It’s an affordable place to live, with an educated population, and living and house costs are lower than the national average. The economy and small business growth are strong, with a moderate tax burden. The unemployment rate is low and few seniors live in poverty. City residents have good community involvement with moderate levels of senior volunteering.

Smoking and diabetes rates are moderate. Local hospitals have plenty of beds and moderate ER wait times. Area residents have good access to such specialized services as rehab, geriatric units, hospice and diagnostic centers.

Nursing home care is relatively affordable, and costs for continuing care facilities, assisted living and home health care providers are moderate.

Oklahoma City can experience tornados. The crime rate is relatively high. Rates of obesity and Alzheimer’s are high, and life expectancy is lower than most major cities. Depression is a problem. Most older adults are not active.

Public transit fares are high, and investment in senior transportation is not good. The numbers of primary-care physicians and nurses are relatively low.

Population over 65: 15.2 percent

The details: St. Louis scores well on living arrangements and health care, but low on wellness. The city’s location in the middle of the country is a big draw for businesses. The metro region has one of the best growth rates for small business in the country.

Many residents are drawn here for the low cost of living, with house prices that are 30 percent less than the national average. The unemployment rate is moderate. The poverty rate of older adults is reasonably low. Funding for senior programs is good, as is the rate of older adult volunteering.

The cost of assisted living is one of the lowest in the country, and locals have good access to nursing home beds at a moderate cost. The prices of nursing home care and home health care providers are also moderate.

The region is prone to tornadoes, flooding and other extreme weather events. Jobs growth is slow, and wage growth is sluggish. Despite good access to fitness and sports centers, most residents are not active or fit.

Rates of obesity, diabetes and Alzheimer’s are on the high side, and depression and drinking are serious problems. The cost of adult day services is relatively high.

Population over 65: 13.7 percent

The details: Kansas City scores well on health care, employment and community engagement, but low on transportation.

The city has a thriving creative community, many neighborhoods are walkable and a bike-share program makes it easier for people to get around. Residents are educated and reasonably active, and they have access to many fitness and sports centers. Senior volunteering and civic engagement levels are high.

Both the cost of living and house prices are just below the national average, despite a growing population. The unemployment rate is low.

The area ranks highly for specialized senior medical care such as geriatric and rehab units, nursing home access, and hospice and dialysis centers. ER wait times are low. Rates of obesity and diabetes are moderate, and life expectancy is good. Access to Alzheimer’s units, diagnostic centers and physical therapists is reasonably good.

Residents have good access to reasonably priced home health care and assisted living services. Local programs for older adults are well funded.

The city lies on the edge of Tornado Alley, which can get violent storms and has frequent flash floods. Public transit is neither fast nor reliable. The rates of smoking, Alzheimer’s and adult day services are high.

Population over 65: 10.5 percent

The details: The Dallas-Fort Worth region is expanding as people migrate here for mild weather and jobs. U.S. News & World Report ranks the area one of the top ten places to retire in the country. The area scores well on living arrangements, financial security, employment and general livability, but low on education, transportation and community engagement.

While house prices are rising with population growth, they’re still just over the national average. Job and income growth are strong and unemployment relatively low. Taxes are moderate, and small business growth is strong.

Primary-care physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants and physical therapists are abundant, and the population has moderate rates of obesity, smoking, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. The costs of nursing home care, home health care and adult day services are reasonable.

Educational options, mass transit choices and community engagement are all low. Income inequality is high. The numbers of long-term hospitals and hospice services are low. Life expectancy is not high.

Residents are less active than other large metro areas, and there are few fitness and sports centers. The area has a low number of senior volunteers and lower funding for senior programs. Few older adults are aging at home.

Population over 65: 16.4 percent

The details: Honolulu scores well on employment, education and transportation but low on financial security and living arrangements. The city has a laid-back tropical lifestyle, with beautiful white-sand beaches.

Income inequality is low, as is unemployment. Local funding for senior programs is good.

Honolulu has some of the lowest rates of depression in the country, and residents are generally fit and active, with low rates of obesity, smoking and diabetes. Life expectancy is long. ER wait times are short.

Honolulu has some of the worst traffic congestion in the country. The cost of living is high, and few national corporations have their main offices here. Rents and house prices are some of the highest in the country, and many people can’t afford to buy a home. The area has a low number of hospital and nursing home beds, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, nurses, physical therapists, and medical and diagnostic centers.

Nursing homes, assisted living and home health care services are all expensive. Income growth is low and small businesses struggle. The city also has low rates of senior volunteers and few civic and religious organizations.

Population over 65: 13.4 percent

The details: The Grand Rapids metro area scores well on community engagement and financial security, but low on employment.

U.S. News & World Report ranks the city as the No. 6 place to retire in the country, and the metro area is one of the fastest-growing places in Michigan. The area has a lot of civic and religious organizations, with good rates of senior volunteering.

The area has a good supply of home health care providers and hospice facilities, and the cost of assisted living is reasonable. There are high levels of nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants and physical therapists available.

Housing and living costs are significantly below the national average (as are incomes.) Income inequality is low, as is unemployment and crime, and job and wages growth are both strong.

Winters are cold and snowy. While the small business sector doesn’t struggle, it’s not strong. Rates of drinking, smoking, depression and Alzheimer’s are high. There’s little investment in senior transportation.

Nursing care and adult day service costs are high, and few long-term hospitals exist. Residents don’t have easy access to orthopedic surgeons or Alzheimer’s or dialysis units, and medical and diagnostic centers are few.

Population over 65: 12.9 percent

The details: The San Diego area scores well on education, general livability and wellness, but low on health care, living arrangements and community engagement.

Residents enjoy a classic Southern California lifestyle, with sunny weather all year and nearby beaches. The economy is healthy, with good income growth and a thriving small business sector.

The number of primary care physicians and orthopedic surgeons is high relative to the population. People in the area have low rates of obesity, smoking, diabetes and Alzheimer’s, and they stay physically active. Depression is also low. Life expectancy is long.

The San Diego area isn’t affordable, with house prices twice the national average and high property taxes and fees. Area hospitals don’t have many chronic or elder health facilities, such as rehab, dialysis or geriatric units. The numbers of hospital beds and nurses are low. Hospitals are expensive and have long ER wait times.

The number of older adults below the poverty line is significantly higher than the national average. The number of nursing home beds available and home health-care providers is low.

Population over 65: 16.1 percent

The details: The Albany area scores well for financial security, education, transportation and community engagement. Housing prices are lower, and income levels higher than the national average. Crime rates are low. Older residents stay active and have good access to fitness facilities. Obesity, smoking and diabetes are lower. This tri-city region is characterized as being tight-knit, family-oriented and walkable.

Local hospitals offer specialized elder care, with good access to Alzheimer’s, hospice and geriatric units. There are a good number of hospital beds and long-term hospitals available.

The area has a poverty rate of almost 25 percent. Income growth is low and taxes are high. Residents in the area have higher rates of Alzheimer’s. The costs of nursing care and assisted living are high, and few adults stay at home as they age.

ER wait times are long, and there are few dialysis units in the area. The number of doctors is also low for the population. Local investment in senior transportation is low. Winters in the area are long and cold.

Population over 65: 15.6 percent

The details: Syracuse scores well for education, transportation and community engagement, but low on employment and living arrangements.

House prices in Syracuse are almost half the national average, one reason why the city has become popular with both families and retired people. The city is relatively easy to get around, with little traffic congestion. Many people can walk to local amenities and to work. The city offers numerous outdoor recreational facilities, especially golf courses.

Older residents have good access to special-needs transportation and independent aging programs. The area has numerous primary-care doctors and diagnostic units.

Most people in Syracuse drive cars as public transit choices are limited. Living costs tend to be higher than the national average, and there is low growth in both jobs and wages, while taxes are high. Local hospitals have long ER wait times. Few older adults can stay at home as they age and long-term care is costly. The local population has high rates of smoking and suffers from a shortage of caregivers.

Population over 65: 11.9 percent

The details: The nation’s capital metro area has a healthy economy, with a broad range of businesses and government agencies. The area scores well on employment, transportation and wellness, but low on financial security and living arrangements.

D.C. has lots of green space and walkable communities, and mass transit networks are extensive and well used.

The area also has a strong service economy, which means higher employment for older adults and a high level of volunteering. Area residents have access to a large supply of doctors. Rates of depression are low, and D.C.-area residents live longer lives, with many aging at home.

House prices are about 60 percent higher than the national average, and rents are also high. Traffic congestion is a real problem, as commutes are long and mass transit fares are high. Area residents pay high taxes.

Job growth is low, and many small businesses are not thriving. There are few specialty facilities for aged care, such as Alzheimer’s and geriatric units, and assisted living is expensive.

Population over 65: 11.5 percent

The details: The Bridgeport area scores well on wellness, general livability and employment, but low on education and living arrangements. It’s home to numerous multinational companies and a large bedroom community of New York commuters. The local population, in general, is prosperous, has high savings and is in good health.

The Bridgeport area has low crime rates, a high number of fitness centers, and low rates of obesity and diabetes. Local governments invest heavily in public transit options for older adults.

The area has expensive housing and nursing homes, and a wide income gap. Taxes and senior unemployment are high, while job growth is low; the small-business sector isn’t doing well.

Population over 65: 16.3 percent

The details: Rochester scores well on health care, financial security, transportation and community engagement, but low on education and living arrangements.

It’s a very affordable area: House prices and living costs are well below the national average. Commuting times are short, the city is walkable, and crime rates are low. Local hospitals have short ER wait times. Health care costs are contained by a large number of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Nursing homes have available beds, and there are numerous options for home health care.

Rochester has long, cold winters. Property taxes are high, and both wage and job growth is low. Despite Rochester’s affordability, the poverty rate is almost 33 percent. (although it affects few older adults.) Nursing homes and home health providers are expensive. Hospice and continuing care facilities are few.

Population over 65: 12.5 percent

The details: The region scores well on general livability, wellness but low on living arrangements and community engagement.

Because the area is home to Silicon Valley, the center of tech in the U.S., its economy is strong, and its population is generally educated and healthy.

The area has hospitals with short ER wait times, quality nursing homes and a wide range of primary-care doctors. Residents generally enjoy active lives, with long life expectancy and have low rates of obesity, depression and smoking.

Housing prices that are even higher than nearby San Francisco, and four times the national average. Living costs are also much higher than the rest of the country. People in the San Jose area still rely heavily on their cars, and traffic congestion is some of America’s worst. The area doesn’t have enough specialized facilities for aged care, such as geriatric or rehab centers, and local hospitals are expensive. Many older adults live in poverty.

Population over 65: 15.6 percent

The details: Springfield is both a business and academic center for the region. The city scores well on education, transportation and community engagement but low on general livability and living arrangements.

It’s an affordable place to live, with housing costs just under the national average. Public mass transit is good, particularly for older riders. Commutes are short, and most communities have good walking access.

Older adults have good access to specialized care, such as rehab and geriatric facilities, and both Alzheimer’s and injury rates in the aging population are low. Springfield has good funding for programs that allow independent living for seniors.

Living costs are higher than the national average. The economy is struggling, and income and job growth are low. Taxes are also high. Most Springfield residents drive, and traffic congestion can be bad. Income inequality is a problem; almost 30 percent of residents live in poverty. Most older adults don’t live at home, and assisted living and nursing homes are expensive.

Population over 65: 12.7 percent

The details: The Twin Cities region scores well on general livability, health care and community engagement.

It offers a wide range of arts, cultural and sporting events, and the population is educated and fairly active, despite the harsh winters, with access to many fitness centers and outdoor recreation facilities. Public transit options are excellent. Many older adults volunteer, and the local population is growing.

Rates of unemployment, crime and old-age poverty are all low. The area also has low rates of chronic disease, high life expectancy and a high number of primary-care physicians.

The downside: House prices are just above the national average, and winters in the region can be extremely cold. Traffic congestion is bad as many residents drive alone to work from suburban areas. The region doesn’t have enough hospital beds or diagnostic centers to meet demand, and the rate of Alzheimer’s is high, with few specialized treatment centers.

House prices are just above the national average, and winters in the region can be extremely cold. Traffic congestion is bad as many residents drive alone to work from suburban areas. The region doesn’t have enough hospital beds or diagnostic centers to meet demand, and the rate of Alzheimer’s is high, with few specialized treatment cent

The downside: Almost 30 percent of Toledo residents live below the poverty line. The regional economy is struggling, which means there’s little growth in jobs and the small business sector, wages remain low and income inequality is an issue. Residents have low activity levels and high obesity rates.

Population over 65: 11.9 percent

The details: U.S. News & World Report chose Denver as the second-best place to live in the country. The region scores well on wellness, health care, employment and financial security.

The Denver metro area’s older population stays fit via numerous recreational and fitness facilities, and a strong volunteering culture. The city has more than 5,000 acres of green spaces and playgrounds, and a well-connected public transit system of buses and light-rail.

Rates of diabetes, obesity and Alzheimer’s are low. The Denver metro region has short ER wait times, good nursing homes and plenty of continuing care and hospice options.

The region has strong income and job growth, especially in aging-related services, and low poverty rates in older groups.

The downside: The Denver area is experiencing a population boom, with housing prices and rents rising. Area homes now cost almost twice the national average. Most people in the area use cars and traffic congestion is a growing problem. Area hospitals are expensive, public transport fares are high and the city doesn’t spend much on programs for older people.

The Denver area is experiencing a population boom, with housing prices and rents rising. Area homes now cost almost twice the national average. Most people in the area use cars and traffic congestion is a growing problem. Area hospitals are expensive, public transport fares are high and the city doesn’t spend much on programs for older people.

Population over 65: 14.6 percent

The details: Almost 21 million people reside in the New York City area, making this region the largest metro area in the country. The region scores well on transportation and employment, but not well on education or living arrangements.

Transportation options include a 24-hour subway system and an extensive bus network, as well as many walkable neighborhoods. New York has a relatively low crime rate for the population size.

Older residents have low obesity rates and long life expectancy. Elder care programs are well funded, and numerous nursing homes and home health-care providers are available. New York City funds a range of safety, arts, education and other programs for older adults.

Affordable housing is a serious problem in New York City, and rates of unemployment and poverty in older groups are high, as is income inequality. Traffic congestion is one of the worst of large metro areas. Area hospitals have long ER wait times, and continuous-care or hospice options are few. Despite the ethnic and cultural diversity in New York City, civic engagement, such as volunteering or philanthropy, is low.

Population over 65: 14.4 percent

The details: The San Francisco Bay Area scores well for general livability, wellness, transportation and education, but very low for living arrangements due to the high cost of housing.

The Bay Area has a strong economy and job growth, with a healthy small business sector. The population, in general, is well educated with high income levels.

Older residents have numerous choices for primary care. The area has many nursing homes and hospitals, as well as living and continuing-care and hospice facilities.

San Francisco housing prices are among the most expensive house in the country, about three times the national average, and taxes are high. The overall cost of living and income inequality are both high, and restrictions on building and zoning continue to push up rents.

The area has significant unemployment in older workers and not enough home health-care options, with expensive long-term at-home care. There are few dialysis or diagnostic centers.

Population over 65: 14.7 percent

The details: The Boston area scores well on health care, wellness, transportation, education and employment, but the living arrangements score is low because of the high cost of housing.

Residents partake in good public transit, and benefit from low crime rates. The area’s population enjoys good overall health, with low rates of Alzheimer’s, obesity, plenty of options for walking, numerous fitness centers and a long life expectancy.

Older people in the Boston area have good access to specialist care, such as orthopedic surgeons, home health care options and quality nursing homes. Special needs and senior transportation programs are well funded.

Housing prices in the area are high, as are taxes. The population has high income inequality, and high rates of depression and drinking. Hospital care is expensive, and ER wait times are long.

Population over 65: 13.2 percent

The details: Jackson rates high on health care, financial security, employment, community engagement and living arrangements metrics, but very low on transportation options.

The city has a sizeable older community: about 10 percent of the population is over 65. In addition, the city is very affordable, with low rental and house prices. Living and health care costs are also much lower than the national average, and tax rates are low.

Local people are very civic-minded, with strong neighborhood ties.

The area has plenty of nurses, nurse practitioners and orthopedic surgeons, and good access to rehab and geriatric facilities, and dialysis and diagnostic centers.

The poverty rate is about 30 percent, and the city lacks outdoor recreational spaces. Jackson has a struggling economy with low job growth (although unemployment is low in older workers). Crime rates are high. The city also has high levels of obesity and Alzheimer’s. With limited public transit options, most residents use cars to get around.

Population over 65: 12.6 percent

The details: The Omaha metro area rates highly on health care, employment and community engagement, but low on wellness indicators.

The region offers a lower cost of living, rental costs and house prices than the national average.

The local job market is strong, and commute times are short. Older residents experience low rates of poverty and income inequality, and Omaha provides good funding for older-adult programs. The local population also has a high rate of volunteering.

The area benefits from numerous orthopedic surgeons, geriatric facilities, rehab centers and hospice care. Local

Population over 65: 9.9 percent

The details: Austin is ranked as the best place to live in the country by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a top place to retire. The city rates highly on financial security, employment, health care, wellness and general livability.

Texas’s capital is home to the University of Texas and a strong high-tech industry. Overall, the state has low tax rates and no income tax, which has led to a thriving small-business sector. Local companies hire a high rate of older workers.

Locals are generally in good health and stay active, with low chronic disease rates and longer li

Austin’s experiencing a growth boom, with house prices are well above the national average. Traffic congestion is a severe problem.

Population over 65: 12.5 percent

The details: The Des Moines area is rated highly on community engagement, health care and employment.

Both living and housing costs are less than the national average.

The Des Moines region is a national leader in geriatric health services and offers a wide range of primary-care specialists. Medical and long-term care is reasonably priced. Programs for older adults are well funded, and the city features plenty of volunteering opportunities.

Public transport is limited. Rates of obesity, drinking and Alzheimer’s are high.

Population over 65: 9.4 percent

The details: Salt Lake City rates high on health care, wellness, financial security, employment, education and transportation, but low on general livability.

The cost of living in the Salt Lake City area is lower than other major U.S. cities, and new development focuses on lower-priced condos and housing developments.

The city has a high rate of older volunteers, robust levels of employed workers over 65 and good access to re-skilling through local community colleges. Income inequality and poverty rates are low.

The region has good and easy access to a wide range of health services and providers for older people, and rates of Alzheimer’s, diabetes and obesity are low.

Crime rates are high and the median house price is above the national average. Funding for elder programs is also low. Winters are cold and snowy.

Population over 65: 11.8 percent

The details: While the Durham-Chapel Hill area rates highly on health care, education and financial security, it ranks low on general livability due to a higher cost of living.

The region’s hospitals are some of the best in the country, with access to specialized units and health care providers for age-related care such as Alzheimer’s treatment and hospice services.

The region is experiencing employment growth, with a strong small business sector and low unemployment among older workers. More regional pluses include housing prices lower than the national average and relatively low property taxes.

The area has high levels of crime, income inequality and Alzheimer’s cases.

Population over 65: 13.1 percent

The details: Madison rates high on health care, community engagement and wellness factors, and has a population that’s generally educated and healthy.

Home to the University of Wisconsin, the city offers numerous educational, learning and cultural opportunities as well as many fitness and recreation options.

Residents have excellent access to geriatric, Alzheimer’s and rehab units. The area has high numbers of nurses and physicians, orthopedic surgeons, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and excellent access to long-term hospitals. ER wait times are short.

There are too few home health care resources and long-term care for older adults is expensive. The city doesn’t have enough dialysis and diagnostic units. The rate of Alzheimer’s cases is very high. Both living costs and house prices are higher than the national average, which may contribute to Madison’s roughly 20 percent poverty rate. Madison is also known for cold winters, with temperatures falling to single digits.

Population over 65: 5.7 percent

The details: The Provo-Orem area rates No. 1 in the country for both general livability and wellness for older adults.

Most people in the region over 65 are cared for at home and stay fairly active, with low rates of diabetes, obesity and Alzheimer’s. Smoking and drinking are rare in this traditionally Mormon state. Social support and faith-based engagement are also strong.

The state economy is healthy, with low unemployment and high job growth, while the number of small businesses is increasing, thanks to a business-friendly tax and regulations environment, and a healthy high-tech and start-up sector. Volunteering levels are high, while crime and poverty rates are low. Two major universities, Brigham Young (Provo) and Utah Valley University (Orem) provide educational programs, as well as a diverse range of artistic, cultural and sporting events.

In 2014, people in Provo and Orem had the highest well being and optimism in the country, according to a Gallup-Healthways survey.

Services such as hospitals and transportation are expensive, and there’s limited funding for older adult programs. The area has few orthopedic surgeons, dialysis or Alzheimer’s units.