Tips for Healthy Aging in Vermont

Vermont is the best state in the country for healthy aging. That’s not just a bold claim made by proud Vermonters—there’s hard data to support it. America’s Health Rankings, a state-by-state health data analysis program of United Health Foundation, looked at more than 30 measures and named Vermont as the healthiest state for older adults in its 2025 Senior Report.

Vermont ranks No. 1 in healthy aging for several reasons:

• Healthy behaviors, such as many seniors getting regular exercise and eating lots of fruits and vegetables
• Social and economic factors, including high rates of volunteering (which helps prevent isolation and cognitive decline), good community support, and far-reaching nutrition programs for older residents
• Clinical care, such as high percentages of seniors getting flu vaccinations and having a dedicated health care provider
• Health outcomes, including low rates of diabetes and obesity among adults ages 65 and older

Living in the Green Mountain State, you likely have a head start on healthy aging. However, there are additional things you can do to protect your health. Read on as we share tips for healthy aging in Vermont.

Blue Zone Lifestyle Habits

There are a handful of places in the world where older residents generally have exceptional health. Author and explorer Dan Buettner identified locations where people live longer, have low rates of chronic diseases, and enjoy a high quality of life in old age. Buettner used the term “blue zones” to describe these places:

• Sardinia, Italy
• Ikaria, Greece
• Okinawa, Japan
• Singapore
• Nicoya, Costa Rica
• Loma Linda, California

So why do people in these areas live longer and stay healthier as they age? Researchers have identified nine common factors:

• Natural movement like gardening, walking, and doing manual yard work
• Sense of purpose or having a reason to get out of bed in the morning
• Routines that shed stress such as taking a nap, spending time each day remembering ancestors, or meditating
• Avoiding overeating by stopping when their stomachs are 80% full and eating their smallest meal at the end of the day
• Diets heavy in vegetables such as beans, soy, and lentils and less focus on eating meat
• Moderate alcohol consumption such as one or two glasses of wine per day with friends
• Belonging to a faith-based community or other groups
• Putting loved ones first by keeping parents and grandparents nearby or in the home and spending time with children and grandchildren
• Social circles like groups of friends that can support healthy behaviors

Healthy lifestyle habits like these can increase life expectancy by 10 years or more, researchers say.

By the way, Vermont was identified by Forbes Health as the state most likely to be considered a blue zone, due to factors like our access to healthy foods through farmers markets, community spirit, and active outdoor lifestyle.

Adopting Healthy Lifestyles

Now that you know how people living in blue zones achieve healthy aging, how can you make those principles work for you? Here are some ideas.

• Movement: Participate in the Vermont Senior Games, sponsored by Blue Cross VT. Vermonters ages 50 and up can participate in sports like swimming, basketball, running, golf, tennis, and pickleball. Events are held in locations around the state and there are opportunities to qualify for the National Senior Games. Not only will you get exercise, you’ll make friends with other senior athletes. For more information, check out the Vermont Senior Games website.
• Sense of Purpose: After you’ve retired from your occupation, you may feel a void and lack a sense of purpose. Volunteering gives you a new reason to stay engaged. Volunteer roles that require movement help maintain muscle tone and balance, while tasks that engage the mind help preserve mental sharpness and reduce the risk of dementia. Vermont’s five area agencies on aging have a wide range of opportunities for seniors to volunteer their time and skills. Other options include the national AmeriCorps Seniors program and local United Ways in Vermont.
• Stress management: Spending time in a forest, a practice also known as “forest bathing,” can significantly lower heart rate and blood pressure. More than 75% of Vermont is covered by forest, and 800,000 acres in the state are publicly owned, so there’s a lot of places to spend time in nature. The Vermont State Parks offer lifetime free day-use for Vermont residents age 62 or older who have a Green Mountain Passport, available for just $2 at town clerk offices. You can also locate forest trails through sites like Trail Finder.
• Healthy diets: Shop at a Vermont farmers market for a great selection of locally grown fruits and vegetables. There are more than 80 farmers markets located around the state, including some that are open during the winter months. To locate a farmers market in your area, check out the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont directory.
• Belonging: Chronic loneliness increases cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, which can cause inflammation that leads to many chronic diseases, including heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. Fight loneliness by joining one of Vermont’s senior centers, which offer a wide range of social activities. To find a senior center near you, call (800) 642-5119 or visit the Vermont Adult Services Division website.
• Putting loved ones first: If you have family nearby, spending time with them can be a great boost for your emotional well-being. However, family members may not be near for many seniors. In that case, adopting a pet can provide companionship and many health benefits. The work of caring for a pet, such as walking them, is good for both cardiovascular health and mental stimulation. Having a pet reduces feelings of loneliness. To adopt a pet, visit a Vermont animal shelter, such as those in the Vermont Humane Federation directory. For tips on choosing the right pet, check out our blog article on the health benefits of pets.
• Social circles: Joining a group or club is a great way of having a social circle that can reinforce healthy behaviors like exercise. Fortunately, Vermont has many clubs that are focused on outdoor activities, such as the Green Mountain Club, Catamount Trail Association, Vermont Paddlers Club, and Audubon Vermont. If you are looking for less strenuous outdoor activity with a social network, check out the Federated Garden Clubs of Vermont, which has local clubs across the state.

One More Tip: Preventive Screenings

Regular exercise, eating healthy, and social connections are all important for healthy aging. Making sure you get all the preventive screenings and vaccinations you’re eligible for is also essential. Check out this list of 12 preventive screenings to help you stay healthy and our blog article that explains how to know which preventive services are covered.