Good and bad news for retirees

Seniors: Want the good news first, or the bad?

Focusing on the positive, Idaho is the sixth best state in the union to retire, according to WalletHub’s January 2017 report.

Using 31 metrics from national, state, and private nonprofit sources to identify the most retirement-friendly states, analysts ranked overall affordability, quality of life (where we scored the least), and health care. It’s easy to confirm the affordability factor; Idaho’s low cost of living and favorable tax laws make ours one of the least expensive states. National health care controversies aside, Idaho ranked in the top third for health care; metrics in this category included providers per capita, quality of facilities, rate of insured seniors, physical activity and life expectancy.

However, to most local residents Idaho’s quality-of-life rank in the bottom third seems too low. For this gorgeous place, with its low crime and friendly people? Consider the other factors measured — including weather (not exactly mild right now), lack of public transportation, and high poverty rates — and the clouds may begin to clear.

But here’s where we come to the bad news. We get a “D” in one important quality-of-life metric: Elder abuse. This is further explained by a 2016 WalletHub report in which Idaho ranked a poor 44th in elder abuse protection, using measures which included inadequate state laws, as well as limitations in available resources and quality of nursing homes.

Abuse respects no age group and can take many forms, but seniors are among the most vulnerable. Age and disability increase both vulnerability and the egregiousness of those who take advantage by emotionally, physically, or financially harming these “easy targets.” Abusers are most often relatives or caregivers, which makes abused seniors more hesitant to report, if able.

By some estimates, 5 million seniors are harmed each year, with more than 90 percent unreported. The U.S. Census bureau estimates the 65-and-older population to nearly double, from 43.1 million in 2012 to 83.7 million, by 2050. So unless more aggressive action is taken to protect them, this problem will only get worse.

Idaho’s recent accolades confirm what residents already know: It’s a beautiful place to visit and to live, especially in one’s golden years. Let’s do what it takes to make it the safest, too.

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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at [email protected].