Self-reported health status is a measure of how individuals perceive their health

, rating it as excellent, very good, good, fair or poor. Among adults ages 65 and older, self-reported health status is a good predictor of short-

and long-term

mortality. It is also a good predictor of future health care use

.

Nationally, the percentage of adults ages 65 and older who reported their health was very good or excellent significantly increased 13% from 38.4% to 43.5%. High health status has generally increased since 2011, with a large part of this change occurring in the past year, increasing 6% from 41.0% in 2019 and reaching its highest point in 2020. More than 24.5 million older adults reported that their health was very good or excellent in 2020, an increase of approximately 2.6 million older adults between 2019 and 2020. High health status among older adults significantly increased in 33 states and the District of Columbia, led by: 33% in Wisconsin (39.0% to 52.0%), 32% in Rhode Island (36.9% to 48.8%) and 30% in New York (35.0% to 45.5%).

Some racial/ethnic, gender and education subpopulations experienced significant increases in high health status; changes by income were not notable. Among adults ages 65 and older, increases greater than the national change included: 28% among Black (24.1% to 30.9%) and 14% among white (41.5% to 47.4%) adults, as well as 14% among females (38.8% to 44.3%).

High health status among older adults was highest in New Hampshire (55.8%), Colorado (53.5%) and Vermont (53.1%); it was lowest in Alabama (32.5%), Mississippi (32.6%) and West Virginia (33.2%).

High health status significantly varied by education, income, race/ethnicity and metropolitan status; differences by gender were not notable. The prevalence among adults ages 65 and older was higher among:

Having all or some permanent teeth missing is associated with increased risk of disability

, mortality and decreased daily function

and quality of life. Missing teeth or having dentures can also impair one’s ability to eat and speak, and is associated with poor nutrition. Severe oral health issues that impact daily life are also associated

with

loneliness.

Nationally, the percentage of adults ages 65 and older who reported having all their teeth removed due to decay or gum disease significantly decreased 17% from 16.1% to 13.4%. Teeth extraction prevalence has generally decreased continuously since 2012, reaching its lowest point in 2020. Still, 7.1 million older adults reported in 2020 that they had all their teeth removed. Teeth extractions among older adults significantly decreased in 20 states, led by: 40% in Louisiana (28.7% to 17.2%), 38% in Maryland (14.5% to 9.0%) and 34% in both Kansas (18.8% to 12.4%) and West Virginia (33.7% to 22.2%).

Some education, racial/ethnic and gender subpopulations experienced significant decreases in teeth extractions; changes by income were not notable. Among adults ages 65 and older, decreases greater than the national change included:

The percentage of teeth extractions among older adults was lowest in Hawaii (5.6%), Minnesota (8.8%), and California and Maryland (both 9.0%); it was highest in Kentucky (22.4%), West Virginia (22.2%) and Arkansas (21.5%).

Teeth extractions significantly varied by education, income, race/ethnicity and metropolitan status; differences by gender were not notable. The prevalence among adults ages 65 and older was higher among:

Adults with obesity have an increased risk of developing serious health conditions

such as hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, sleep apnea and breathing problems, osteoarthritis and certain cancers, as well as mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. Some research suggests that the strength of the association between obesity and mortality risk increases with age

, making obesity among older adults of particular concern.

Nationally, the percentage of adults ages 65 and older with a body mass index of 30.0 or higher based on reported height and weight significantly increased 16% from 25.3% to 29.3%. Obesity among older adults significantly increased in 19 states, led by 60% in Nevada (18.1% to 28.9%), 45% in Wyoming (20.4% to 29.5%) and 36% in South Dakota (23.8% to 32.4%).

All income and some education, racial/ethnic and gender subpopulations experienced significant increases in obesity. Among adults ages 65 and older, increases greater than the national change included:

Obesity among older adults was lowest in Hawaii (18.7%), New York (23.6%) and Colorado (23.9%); it was highest in Delaware (37.6%), Louisiana (36.2%) and Michigan (35.6%).

Obesity significantly varied by race/ethnicity, education, income and metropolitan status; differences by gender were not notable. The prevalence among adults ages 65 and older was higher among:

Nationally, 46% of Medicare beneficiaries ages 65-74 enrolled in the fee-for-service program had three or more of 21 chronic conditions identified by the Chronic Conditions Warehouse. The prevalence of multiple chronic conditions was lowest in Alaska and Wyoming (both 28%) as well as Montana and Vermont (both 30%); it was highest in Alabama (58%), West Virginia (55%) and Louisiana and Delaware (both 54%). Multiple chronic conditions varied by race/ethnicity; differences by gender were not notable. The prevalence was higher among Black (53%) than among Asian/Pacific Islander (40%) adults.