Is Michigan The Best State To ‘Live A Long, Healthy’ Life?

Michigan is full of scenic views, wooded landscapes, beach towns, and areas with a big city feel. A new study by Life Extension ranked Michigan number 35 on a list of the best states to live in for a long and healthy life.

They analyzed federal data to determine which states have the healthiest lifestyles, and compared states' overall lifestyle scores to their actual life expectancies in order to rank states based on healthy habits and longevity.

According to the website, the best states tend to have scenic outdoor areas and active populations. Michigan's scenic views didn’t measure up to the top states. Hawaii, Vermont, Utah, and Colorado all land among the top 10 overall. Hawaii was ranked the best state for longevity, with a life expectancy of 80.7 years higher than any other state and among the healthiest lifestyles in America.

Meanwhile, West Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Kentucky rank last overall. Mississippi was ranked the worst state for longevity, with a life expectancy of 72.8 years lower than any other state and a healthy lifestyle ranking of 51.

Taking a closer look at Michigan, its overall ranking was 35 with a life expectancy of 76. Michigan’s healthy lifestyle ranking is 30. Several factors went into the state’s ranking including the share of adults with stress, exercise, sleep quality, diet, weight, outdoor recreation, and social isolation. The state's share of adults who exercised in the past month is 77.9 percent. However, the study found that the Share of adults at a healthy weight is 29.4 percent. The full breakdown can be found here.

Not that bad of a ranking for Michigan, seeing that America ranks number 40 for life expectancy globally. Countries such as Kuwait, Estonia, and Panama outlive the people of America, according to the World Health Organization's latest figures.