No need for blue zone: Iowa metro areas score high as “Best Cities for Successful Aging”

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds on Tuesday released statements on the announcement of the non-partisan, non-profit think tank, Milken Institute’s new index on the “Best Cities for Successful Aging,” which show Iowa with the most high-ranking metros in the country.

The study can be found here: http://successfulaging.milkeninstitute.org/best-cities-successful-aging.pdf

(PHOTO: Mason City is now a Blue Zone test site.  According to a study, Iowa metro areas have already accomplished some of the goals of the Blue Zones initiative.)

The institute scored the top 20 metropolitan areas in the top 150 highest-populated areas in the United States, where Omaha-Council Bluffs ranked #3 and Des Moines ranked #6. In the next population tier of 209 metro areas, Iowa had three cities: Iowa City at #2, Ames at #11 and Dubuque at #14.

“This is a great showing for the state of Iowa,” said Branstad. “I am pleased to see that Iowa has such a high quality of life that allows Iowans to age successfully. The access to quality living and health care in Iowa is important, and our efforts in these areas will continue having a positive impact on the lives of all Iowans.”

The study is a data-driven analysis that examines 78 factors that most affect seniors’ quality of life, and compares and ranks 359 metros on them. The study provides x-ray of which communities in the U.S. do the best job of providing the infrastructure and amenities for successful aging.

“Our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles are a treasure, and this demonstrates that Iowa is making great strides in preserving the health of our families,” said Reynolds. “As we make it a priority to expand Iowa’s economy, there is no doubt that a healthy and secure workforce is important no matter what the age.”