How Florida Supports a Happy and Healthy Retirement

It’s no secret that Florida is a popular place for retirees. The state continually ranks highest on the list of states that retirees move to, and in many years, it’s not even close. In 2023, for instance, more than double the number of people aged 60 and over moved to Florida than they did to the second most popular state for retirees, North Carolina.
Most people will point to the favorable tax conditions and sunshine as the leading reasons why retirees flock to Florida. They’re factors, but many places are tax-friendly and have warm temperatures. Alabama, Florida’s neighbor, has both those things, yet nowhere near as many retirees.
So, what’s different about Florida? It’s the lifestyle that attracts people to The Sunshine State. This is a state that offers retirees everything they need to be happy and healthy in their later years. Let’s take a look at how.
Physical Activity
Florida is a haven for physical activity enthusiasts, including those aged 60 and over. The state probably offers more senior-friendly activities than any other in the country, and what’s more, the majority of them are easily accessible. It’s much easier to be happy and healthy when you’re playing tennis or pickleball multiple times a week, or when you’re spending lovely warm evenings fishing on Florida’s coastline.
Youthful Mindset
We live in an age when it’s possible to drastically reduce how old you feel — and many people in Florida take full advantage of that possibility. This is a state where retirees act and feel younger than their age. They may do yoga and live a vegan lifestyle, take Science.bio liquid formulations, spend time in infrared saunas, or engage in other activities that make them feel (and often look) their absolute best. There’s a vibrancy to the retirees in Florida that you don’t usually find in other states.
It’s Inherently Social
One of the common complaints among people aged 60 and over is that it’s not always as easy to socialize with other people as they’d like it to be. That, however, is generally not a concern in Florida, for the simple reason that there are so many like-minded people who are more than willing to socialize. There are not just plenty of other people living in Florida, but the state is better-equipped to encourage get-togethers than other areas. Studies have long supported the importance of socializing for physical and mental well-being, and given how social Florida is, it’s no surprise that retirees are happy here. The fact that they socialize in mood-boosting sunshine makes it all the more enjoyable.
Fresh Food
Food is the foundation for health and happiness. In Florida, they don’t just eat well — they eat meals that are positively good for all aspects of a person’s well-being. There’s a lot of power in eating fresh seafood and fruits, and starting the day with freshly squeezed orange juice. Aside from all the health-boosting foods, you’ll also find plenty of delicious, not-so-healthy meals that are perfect for putting a smile on your face.