Why Experts Say South Carolina is a Great Place to Retire
If you or someone you love is entering their golden years, then perhaps you’re thinking about the best states to live in during retirement. As it turns out, experts say South Carolina is one of the best states to retire in the entire country. This might come as a surprise to you, if you think that South Carolina is an expensive place to live. But, there are some real reasons why experts believe South Carolina is the best place to settle during your later years.
Experts Say South Carolina is the Best State to Retire, and Here’s Why
The experts at Bankrate, headquartered in New York City, looked at all 50 states on data points to figure out where people should retire in America. Some of the factors they looked at included living costs, health care costs, crime and overall well-being, according to FoxBusiness.com.
“The reality is that most Americans feel behind on saving for retirement, which means affordability is critical,” Alex Gailey, Bankrate analyst, told FoxBusiness.com. “A move to a more affordable location could be an effective way for soon-to-be retirees to stretch their retirement savings in this economy.” Gailey added that if you’re not as far as you should be with your savings and retirement is coming up quickly, then you have to start catching up.
According to Bankrate, via FOX Business, that No. 1 spot to retire in is Delaware. Why? Gailey says it’s because even though Delaware is one of the more expensive cities in which to live, the state offers good health care, a lighter tax burden than other cities, reasonably priced homeowners insurance and good weather. That put it above the rest of the pack. Also, Gailey says the state scored well in diversity, wellness and culture and had a higher percentage of residents who are age 62 and older.
So, where’s South Carolina? It’s No. 4 on the tally. What makes it so great? According to the study, South Carolina is a great place to retire when it comes to weather, the cost of health care, and overall well-being. The worst place to retire in America, according to the study, is Alaska. It’s held that spot for two years in a row. Bankrate says Alaska has been at the bottom because of low ratings in “affordability, quality and cost of health care, weather and crime.” So, if you or a loved one is looking to retire, I hope this list comes in handy.
People Who Live to 100 Have These Things in Common
1. They Have a Good Immune System
A new study published in the journal eBioMedicine looked at the DNA and lifestyle of seven centenarians to see what they had in common to live so long. The researchers found that people in the 100+ age group, not surprisingly, had a strong immune system that had allowed them to fight off a lot of illnesses. It helped them stay alive longer.
They Have a Good Immune System
2. How to Improve Your Immune System
If having a good immune system isn’t in your genres, according to the experts at Harvard, you can boost your immune system by eating a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables. Another way is to exercise regularly and have a healthy weight. A few other ways include getting enough sleep, only drinking in moderation, not smoking, staying up to date with immunizations and avoiding stress.
Ways to Improve Your Immune System
3. They Have Chronic Illnesses Later in Life
According to a recent study published in the National Library of Medicine, “The age at which 20% of each of the centenarian groups experienced morbidity was significantly delayed by between 18 and 24 years.” That means these people got chronic illnesses much later than their peers. It helped them live longer.
They Have Chronic Illnesses Later in Life
4. They Exercise Regularly
This one shouldn’t be a surprise. According to a National Institutes of Health study, 2.5 hours of moderate activity a week could increase your life by 3.4 years. Studies also show that places around the world with the most centenarians are often in places with rural communities, where they are up and walking around instead of sitting at a desk. So, get out and move.
They Exercise Regularly
5. They Aren't Overweight
Keeping their weight in check is apparently another commonality with people who make it to 100 years old. In a Harvard-Salk Institute paper about longevity, they note, “At present, calorie restriction remains the most robust [i.e., evidence based] strategy for extending health and lifespan in most biological models tested.” So, eat, but do so mindfully. They also eat healthy, which goes along with longevity.
They Aren’t Overweight
6. They Stay Connected
As they say, people need people. According to a research study via PNAS.org, having real, quality social ties with friends and family has been associated with better health. Also, being socially isolated has been associated with an increased risk of inflammation in people of different ages. So, don’t be such a hermit.
They Stay Connected
7. They Have Faith
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, “While there is no definitive scientific evidence linking directly spirituality and longevity some research suggests that spiritual practices and beliefs may have indirect effects on physical and mental health, which could potentially contribute to longer life spans.” So, it’s not a sure thing. But, it appears having beliefs and spirituality is something that many people over 100 share. Pray up, my friend.
They Have Faith
8. Blood Commonalities
A recent study published in GeroScience shows that those 100 years of age and older have some similarities in their blood. According to research, they have lower, but not super low, levels of creatinine, glucose and uric acid. Talk to your doctor about ways to get your blood to those levels, and talk to you doctor about any changes you plan to make to your lifestyle and diet, of course.
Blood Commonalities
