Studies say West Virginia is best state to retire but one of the worst to age

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — Numerous studies have deemed West Virginia one of the best places to retire to because of its affordability, but a new study suggests that for senior care, it is one of the worst.

GoBankingRates determined that on average, a couple living in West Virginia would need about $37,562 annually without social security, or only about $2,000 per year with Social Security income, which is the lowest cost in the country. The estimated living expense for a couple in West Virginia is almost $1,000 less than any other state and $40,000 less than the most expensive state, Hawaii.

However, according to a recent study by Retirement Living, Hawaii is the best state when it comes to high-quality senior care, and West Virginia is one of the worst.

The ranking put West Virginia at 48th for senior care, or third from last, because of the lack of access to healthcare, the high rate of preventable diseases, and the low quality of nursing homes, according to the study.

The study also said that West Virginia also has the highest rate of food insecure seniors at 11.5%, and ranks among the worst states with reports of social isolation among seniors.

“Despite its natural beauty, West Virginia’s seniors also face a few environmental challenges. West Virginia has the country’s ninth-most polluted drinking water and also ranks low for walkability, thanks to a primarily rural population,” the ranking said.

Nationwide, 81% of seniors who were surveyed said that they think it is harder for them to retire comfortably than it was for their parents, with 47% saying that they believe it is much harder.