New Jersey: America's Happiest Retirement Spot

New Jersey has been identified as the happiest state for retirees, according to a recent study. This northeastern state features the nation's lowest senior suicide rate and a mere 10% prevalence of senior depression, highlighting mental well-being as a key retirement factor.

The study, which excluded Hawaii and Alaska, analyzed data on suicide rates, elders living alone, life expectancy, volunteer rates, and community support. It suggests that factors beyond climate and proximity to family significantly influence retirement happiness.

Connecticut followed New Jersey, ranking second with the highest life expectancy at 65 and notable senior center availability. In contrast, West Virginia was identified as the unhappiest state for retirees.

West Virginia's poor performance is attributed to the lowest overall happiness score (32.0), the highest senior depression rate at 21.5%, and one of the lowest life expectancies at 65 (16.1 years). Louisiana and Kentucky rounded out the bottom three states in the report.