Growing Old in New Jersey the 2019 Senior Report
The 2019 Senior Report
The 2019 Senior Report published by the United Health Foundation covers health rankings for each state for the more than 50 million seniors who live in the United States, an increase of 45% from the 30 million in 2000. This also includes the rise of the young senior (ages 65-74) population.
Good stats for young seniors are:
- Early death 22% lower
- Smoking 16% lower
- High health status 11% higher
Bad stats for young seniors are:
- Excessive drinking 42% higher
- Obesity 36% higher
- Diabetes 36% higher
- Suicide 16% higher
The United Health Foundation defines health by the definition of health by the World Health Organization (WHO) as:
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” (WHO)
The 10 Healthiest States for Senior Health are:
- Hawaii followed by
- Utah
- Connecticut
- Minnesota
- Colorado
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- Maine
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
The Worst State for Senior Health is Mississippi.
New Jersey ranks 21st for Senior Health
New Jersey ranks 21st among the states for senior health for the 1.35 million seniors who live in New Jersey. New Jersey was found to have a high percentage of able-bodied seniors, a high rate of arthritis and diabetes management and a low early death rate. New Jersey also has a fairly low rate for falls. Of the 25.6% of seniors age 65 and older who had falls, 5.1% were hospitalized for hip fractures. New Jersey also has a high rate of geriatric physicians. Dental visits see 70.8% of seniors over the age of 65 having dental care. As far as vaccinations, 63.4% of New Jersey’s seniors got vaccinated for the flu. New Jersey also has good policies to protect seniors against nursing home or hospital infections. Also, only 8% of New Jersey seniors smoke and 6.9% drink alcohol in excess. Poverty affects 8.4% of New Jersey Seniors with 12.4% facing food insecurity.
New Jersey Seniors Need to Exercise and Volunteer More
However, when it comes to seniors spending time with physical exercise, New Jersey only ranks at number 42 and New Jersey has an obesity rate among seniors of 26.6%, so there is a challenge here for New Jersey seniors to get up and get moving more and to lose weight. New Jersey also has a low rate of volunteer activity by seniors.
New Jersey has a 5-star Rating for High-quality Nursing Homes
New Jersey ranks 5 stars for having a fine number of high-quality nursing homes. In fact, 59.6% of New Jersey’s nursing homes are rated as 4 or 5-star facilities.
The Royal Suites Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Galloway Township, New Jersey
The Royal Suites Healthcare and Rehabilitation in scenic Galloway Township, New Jersey offers excellent SMART rehabilitation and skilled nursing care in a beautiful 5-star facility surrounded by eight acres of woods and landscaped gardens. While it is in a lovely country-like setting, Royal Suites is also close to main roads, shopping centers, houses of worship and medical centers. Royal Suites has spacious rooms with flat screen TV and private bathrooms for residents plus fine restaurant style dining with nutritious and delicious meals under the supervision of a registered dietitian.
The rehabilitation and subacute unit is situated in its own wing with its own dining area and state-of-the-art therapy gym. Expert rehabilitative care is available such as:
- Hip or knee replacement
- Post-stroke
- Post-surgery recovery
- Complex wound care
- Motor vehicle trauma
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Diabetes monitoring and care
- Pain management
- IV Therapy
- Tracheotomy care
- Gastrostomy care
Royal Suites also has a Memory Impaired Unit for people suffering from memory loss and cognitive decline such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. See our blog post from May 29, 2018 about the unique memory care offered at Royal Suites.
Conclusion
New Jersey is a state with a fairly good health rating for seniors and with excellent high-quality nursing homes.