A new study conducted by Life Extension recently outlined the best states and the worst states for wellness after analyzing data from the CDC, Census Bureau, National Parks Service and Google trends across three main categories: physical health; access to parks and nature and integrative health practices.
The study named California the No. 1 best state for wellness, and Alabama came in last place.
Interest in wellness used to be niche, but it has surged following the health, economic and political crises that led to a 25% spike in anxiety and depression and a decline in life expectancey.
Factor in remote work, and more Americans are choosing to live in places with strong health and wellness communitites that enhance their physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Interest in healthy eating, exercise, dietary supplements, nature, self-care and mindfulness is rising across the nation, but some states are better wellness destinations than others.
Key Findings:
- California, Arizona, Florida, Washington, Hawaii, Utah, Alaska, Wyoming, D.C., and New Jersey ranked as the 10 Best Places for Wellness.
- Alabama, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Iowa, Delaware, North Dakota, Nebraska, Kentucky and Mississippi ranked as the 10 Worst States for Wellness.
- Four of the worst states are in the South: Alabama, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas. The Midwest is the only region not represented in the 10 Best States.
- There is a strong correlation between sunshine, nature and wellbeing. Four of the five best states are known for sunshine: California, Arizona, Florida and Hawaii. Nine of the 10 Best States have an above average percentage of land used for national parks.
Access the complete study here.
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