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Time Business News
09-07-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Retirement in 2025: Which States Are Meeting the Needs of Aging Americans?
As more Americans transition into retirement, the question of where to spend later life has grown increasingly complex. The answer lies not just in weather or lifestyle, but in affordability, healthcare access, and long-term care infrastructure. A new analysis from Marietta-based law firm Jones & Swanson reveals sharp divides across U.S. states in their readiness to support aging populations, spotlighting both top performers and critical gaps. Florida Remains a Retirement Favorite, but Other States Take the Lead in Healthcare Florida continues to dominate the conversation around retirement destinations. With no state income tax and a long-established support system for older residents, it remains appealing for active seniors. Yet when comparing nursing home affordability, healthcare infrastructure, and elder support programs, states like Minnesota and Wisconsin outperform Florida in key categories. Minnesota was recognized for its high-quality healthcare network and effective statewide policies that prioritize older adults. The average monthly cost of nursing home care in the state may exceed the national median, but residents benefit from better staffing ratios and clinical outcomes. Wisconsin also ranks well, offering lower-than-average costs paired with a strong rural healthcare presence that makes long-term support more accessible outside major cities. The Northeast Delivers on Medical Access, but Expenses Run High Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut earned top scores in hospital rankings, physician availability, and preventive care efforts. These states have made significant investments in elder wellness programs, helping seniors stay mobile and engaged. However, the financial burden in these states can be heavy. In Massachusetts, for example, private nursing home costs frequently top $13,000 per month, making long-term affordability a major concern. Rhode Island balances coastal appeal with manageable population density, and though care quality remains high, housing and daily living expenses continue to rise. Retirees without supplemental coverage or savings could find these states challenging despite their top-tier services. Southern and Western States Show Room for Improvement States in the Deep South, including Mississippi and Alabama, scored poorly in the study's healthcare and long-term care categories. Staffing shortages, aging facilities, and limited state-sponsored programs have created gaps that make these areas less attractive for retirees in need of care. While living costs in these states remain low, access to consistent and high-quality eldercare is often limited, particularly in rural regions. Western states like Nevada and New Mexico also face hurdles. Nevada struggles with disparities in healthcare access between urban and rural communities. Long-term care expenses are rising, and senior services outside Las Vegas remain patchy. New Mexico ranked lowest in the overall readiness index due to high crime rates, low healthcare quality scores, and insufficient eldercare infrastructure. Data-Driven Insights Help Guide Retirement Decisions Jones & Swanson's report used multiple factors to evaluate each state's readiness for retirees, including: Median monthly nursing home costs Healthcare system capacity and hospital density Crime rates impacting senior communities Access to state-funded senior programs Housing affordability and local cost of living Climate stability and weather resilience Quality of life ratings based on social and recreational access States like Iowa, Utah, and Nebraska emerged as strong contenders, with reasonable costs and well-developed support networks. These regions may not traditionally top retirement lists, but their consistent performance across financial and care-related metrics makes them compelling alternatives for retirees prioritizing affordability and safety. Planning for Retirement Requires More Than Sunshine According to Jones & Swanson, the shift toward data-based retirement planning reflects growing awareness of the risks associated with aging. While scenic appeal and warm weather continue to influence decisions, the cost and quality of healthcare are increasingly driving where Americans choose to settle. Retirement should be a time of rest, purpose, and community. For that to happen, states must invest in systems that support aging populations. As this report shows, some are far ahead, while others have catching up to do. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Florida is the top state for motorcycle deaths. In early 2025, Duval leads in fatalities
Already in 2025, it's been a deadly year for motorcyclists on Jacksonville-area roadways. In an eight-day period in January alone, four motorcyclists were killed in three separate crashes. Through Feb. 13, Duval County has recorded eight motorcycle fatalities in 52 motorcycle crashes, according to preliminary data from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, leading Florida's 67 counties in the grim statistic. A year ago, just two motorcyclists had died in crashes through Feb. 16., Jacksonville police reported at the time. The county ended 2024 with 36 motorcycle fatalities. This year, though, Jacksonville is averaging one motorcycle death every 5.5 days, a pace that would equal a staggering 66 deaths by the end of 2025. Statewide, motorcycle crash deaths number 44 in 843 crashes through Feb. 13. And that's before hundreds of thousands of bikers and bike fans rumble into Daytona Beach — including many down Interstate 95 in Duval and St. Johns counties — for the city's annual 10-day Bike Week event from Feb. 28 to March 9. In 2024, Florida reported 9,420 motorcycle crashes, resulting in 578 fatalities, according to highway safety statistics, ranking the state No. 1 in motorcycle deaths in the country for the third consecutive year. The numbers in 2023 (621 fatalities) and 2022 (631 fatalities) were even higher. By comparison, California had 525 motorcycle fatalities in 2023, despite universal helmet laws, and Texas had 475, according to a study compiled from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports by Marietta, Georgia-based personal attorney firm Jones & Swanson. "Florida remains the most dangerous state for motorcyclists, not due to chance, but because of policy failures," the firm said in an email. "Weak helmet laws, lenient DUI enforcement, and long-ignored crash hotspots are needlessly endangering riders. Without urgent reforms, these deaths will continue to climb." Anyone operating or riding a motorcycle must wear protective headgear and an eye-protective device, per Florida law. However, since 2000 it's been legal for motorcyclists 21 years of age and older to ride without wearing a helmet as long as they're covered by an insurance policy providing at least $10,000 in medical benefits. The helmet law does not apply to anyone 16 years of age and older operating or riding on a motorcycle that is: Powered by a motor with a displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less, or Rated not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and Which is not capable of going faster than 30 miles per hour on level ground. Anyone under 16 still has to wear a helmet. Among the crashes that have killed eight motorcyclists in Duval County this year are the following, according to local news reports citing local and state law enforcement sources: Sunday, Jan. 19: A 47-year-old motorcyclist was killed when his speeding motorcycle struck a sedan on Roosevelt Boulevard, south of Edgewood Avenue, First Coast News reported. Sunday, Jan. 26: A motorcyclist died after colliding with a sedan that pulled into its path in the 4200 block of Roosevelt Boulevard, First Coast News reported. Sunday, Jan. 26: Two motorcyclists, a 41-year-old man and a 32-year-old man, died when their motorcycles collided on I-295 near Old St. Augustine Road, causing them to lose control of their bikes, News4Jax reported. Tuesday, Feb. 4: A 66-year-old motorcyclist died when he was struck by a stolen truck driven by a man who was driving the wrong way on I-295 at 103rd Street, First Coast News reported. Friday, Feb. 7: A motorcyclist died after hitting a concrete pole in the 1400 block of Kings Avenue near San Marco, First Coast News reported. Since 2017, Jacksonville recorded its lowest number of motorcycle deaths in 2018 and its highest number in 2021, according to FHSMV data. 2024: 36 fatalities / 479 crashes 2023: 32 fatalities / 519 crashes 2022: 31 fatalities / 485 crashes 2021: 41 fatalities / 448 crashes 2020: 21 fatalities / 380 crashes 2019: 25 fatalities / 422 crashes 2018: 19 fatalities / 435 crashes 2017: 23 fatalities / 495 crashes This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Motorcycle deaths in Florida: In early 2025, Duval County leads state
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Florida is the top state for motorcycle deaths. Most deadly place, helmet laws
For the third year in a row, Florida ranks No. 1 in motorcycle deaths in the country, according to highway safety statistics. The Sunshine State saw 9,420 motorcycle crashes in 2024, resulting in 578 fatalities and 8,106 injuries according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) "Crash Dashboard." The years before were worse, with 621 fatalities in 2023 and 631 in 2022. As of Feb. 6, 2025, 32 people have died in motorcycle crashes in Florida and 562 injured, according to preliminary FLHSMV data. And that's before hundreds of thousands of bikers and bike fans rumble into Daytona Beach for the city's annual Bike Week event. In comparison, California had 525 motorcycle fatalities in 2023, despite universal helmet laws, and Texas had 475, according to a study compiled from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports by the personal attorney firm Jones & Swanson. Florida also saw 1,024 DUI-related motorcycle crashes last year, the firm said. "Florida remains the most dangerous state for motorcyclists, not due to chance, but because of policy failures," the firm said in an email. "Weak helmet laws, lenient DUI enforcement, and long-ignored crash hotspots are needlessly endangering riders. Without urgent reforms, these deaths will continue to climb." Anyone operating or riding a motorcycle must wear protective headgear and an eye-protective device, per Florida law. However, since 2000 it's been legal for motorcyclists 21 years of age and older to ride without wearing a helmet as long as they're covered by an insurance policy providing at least $10,000 in medical benefits. The helmet law does not apply to anyone 16 years of age and older operating or riding on a motorcycle that is: Powered by a motor with a displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less, or Rated not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and Which is not capable of going faster than 30 miles per hour on level ground. Anyone under 16 still has to wear a helmet. According to reports from the Florida Department of Transportation, the intersection of State Road 82 & Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers is a high-risk location. Data showed 105 motorcycle fatalities connected to that location in 2022, Jones & Swanson said. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida saw 578 fatalities from motorcycle crashes in 2024: FHSMV
