May 21, 2015
Area(s) of Interest:
Mental Health Public Health
According to a study released June 20 from America’s Health Rankings, California’s seniors have decreased exercising in the past two years, have begun drinking more alcohol and are experiencing more mental health issues.
Over the past two years, California’s senior population decreased exercising and dropped from a national ranking of 18th in the nation to 29th -- this according to a study conducted by the United Health Foundation, a nonprofit arm of the United Health Group, which also owns the insurer United Healthcare.
The study tracked 35 measures for senior health in each state using data from several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Labor. Categories assessed included behavior, community and environment, policy, clinical care, outcomes and supplemental measures.
Other study findings for California seniors included a low numbers of smokers (8th in the nation), 46th for chronic drinking, 4th in the nation for obesity and 48th for poor mental health.
Click here to see the study results for California and here for the full report.
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