Can you afford to live in your home state as you get older? To find out, visit the Elder Index. This index lists the cost of living in 17 different states from Connecticut to California for older singles and couples. The study, in pdf format, for each state lists costs for people renting or with or without mortgages. It also cites healthcare costs.
The only downside to the information is that it is four years old. The most important aspect of this information is that it shows what percentage of each state's senior population is on the verge of poverty. As people live longer and more people enter their senior years, our nation will be facing some important challenges in ensuring our older adults do not slip into poverty. The time to build awareness and to start planning is now.
