Where do the fittest baby boomers live?
In a survey, the nation’s largest 50
metropolitan areas were evaluated based on factors contributing to a fit and
active lifestyle as people age. Cities were rated on life expectancy,
cardiovascular health, and reported stress levels of boomers, as well as access
to local health care and fitness resources.
Based on the survey's criteria, the top
10 fittest cities for boomers are:
- San Jose
- Minneapolis
- San Francisco
- Denver
- Boston
- Salt Lake City
- Washington, D.C.
- Seattle
- San Diego
- Raleigh, N.C.
The survey was conducted for the American
Physical Therapy Association and Huff/Post50.
"Baby boomers have redefined aging
by their strong desire to maintain mobility and independence and live healthy,
active lifestyles well into their 50s and beyond," said APTA member Alice Bell, PT. "Living in a fit city for
baby boomers means you have many fitness and health care resources at your
disposal.
"A city's attributes can have
quite an impact on the health of baby boomers," said Huff/Post50 editor
Shelley Emling. "Mass transit availability, access to fitness, and quality
health care facilities do influence your health and lifestyle.”
However, boomers are a cohort that is
highly individualized, Emling said. “We're in control of our own destiny, and
this study is a great reminder that we can live healthier lives when we access
the resources around us."
