New report shows progress and persistent challenges in Washington’s senior health

Older adults in Washington are seeing encouraging gains in some areas of health, but several indicators are moving in the wrong direction, according to the America’s Health Rankings® 2026 Senior Report from the United Health Foundation. The report, which examines 56 measures from 25 data sources, ranks Washington No. 7 overall among the 50 states. Nationally, the report highlights improvements in prevention — such as recommended breast and colorectal cancer screenings — and a growing workforce caring for older adults, alongside a continued decrease in early deaths. At the same time, the report flags worsening trends in drug deaths, excessive drinking and suicide, and an increase in food insecurity among older adults; older adults were the only age group to experience an increase in drug deaths in the latest data. In Washington, drug deaths for adults aged 65 and older increased 87%, and suicides, rates of excessive drinking, and rates of frequent mental distress were higher than the national average. However, positive measures contributing most to the state’s performance include a 24% increase in both home healthcare workers and nursing home quality, along with a low poverty rate and high rate of exercise among older adults. Health leaders say the most useful takeaway is to look beyond the rank and use the measure-level results to target local priorities, partnerships and resources.

The full report and state summaries are available on the America’s Health Rankings website: www.americashealthrankings.com.