GREENSBORO — The numbers are in and North Carolina has dropped three spots in a national ranking of seniors’ health.
“We do have a challenge, we do have an issue, but it’s most important for us to react to that and address that need,” said Anita Bachmann, UnitedHealthcare Community and state vice president.
According to America’s Health Rankings Annual Report, the state went from 29th to 32nd in the country.
The organization has been conducting similar studies since 1990, as part of an effort between United Health Foundation, American Public Health Association and Partnership for Prevention.
This year’s report shows that some of our strengths include — a reduction in alcohol abuses and widespread flu vaccination coverage.
Some areas of improvement range from equipment — like needing more, quality nursing home beds. Others have to do with lifestyle.
“We’ve seen a reduction in physical activity – it’s measured by self-reporting, but that’s another big concern as well,” said Bachmann. “We’ve seen seniors and the general population less active than in years past.”
Health experts say a big reason for our drop has to do with the food insecurity issue we face statewide and locally.
“For good health, it includes access and intake of good, healthy, nutritious foods and it’s unfortunate many people — one-in-four– in North Carolina don’t have access to good, healthy, nutritious foods,” said Bachmann. “It certainly does impact the overall health and quality of an individual’s life.”
The sooner that issue is addressed, Bachmann says, the greater impact it will have on the health of seniors in North Carolina.
The study found Vermont is the healthiest state for seniors while Louisiana was ranked 50th.
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