Our new study has identified the U.S. states with the most active aging populations, analyzing thousands of search behaviors to reveal where seniors are most engaged in physical fitness and lifestyle activities.
The results overturn a common assumption: that moving to a warmer climate leads to a more active lifestyle. Instead, the data shows that seniors in rugged, colder states like Alaska, Wyoming, and Vermont are driving the highest interest in fitness, while traditional "Sun Belt" retirement destinations like Florida and California rank at the very bottom of the list.
Key Findings:
- The "Rugged" North Leads: Alaska ranks #1 in the nation, with a Search Volume of 88,242 per 100k older adults—indicating a population deeply invested in maintaining physical capability.
- The "Sun Belt" Lag: Despite being famous for golf and year-round outdoor living, Florida (#49) and California (#50) have the lowest search intensity for active lifestyle terms.
- Strength Over Leisure: Nationally, seniors are prioritizing functional fitness over leisure. "Working out" (#1) and "Strength training" (#3) both outrank traditional pastimes like "Golf" (#5) and "Fishing" (#10).
- The Climate Paradox: The top 5 states (Alaska, Wyoming, Vermont, North Dakota, South Dakota) all experience harsh winters, suggesting that environmental demands may drive a stronger culture of physical resilience among older adults.
Top 10 U.S. States with Most Active Seniors (Ranked by Search Volume)
| Rank | State | Total Google Search Volume | Search Volume Per 100k Older Population (65+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 96,550 | 88,242 |
| 2 | Wyoming | 97,200 | 82,813 |
| 3 | Vermont | 117,900 | 79,402 |
| 4 | North Dakota | 108,400 | 77,266 |
| 5 | South Dakota | 117,900 | 67,026 |
| 6 | Delaware | 140,050 | 61,473 |
| 7 | Rhode Island | 132,700 | 60,272 |
| 8 | Montana | 124,250 | 51,466 |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 153,600 | 50,654 |
| 10 | Maine | 159,800 | 48,435 |
10 States With Least Active Seniors (Ranked by Search Volume)
| Rank | State | Total Google Search Volume | Search Volume Per 100k Older Population (65+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 480,450 | 7,363 |
| 2 | Florida | 392,100 | 7,697 |
| 3 | New York | 333,600 | 8,879 |
| 4 | Texas | 389,050 | 8,912 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 297,550 | 11,161 |
| 6 | Michigan | 242,350 | 12,192 |
| 7 | Illinois | 288,900 | 12,701 |
| 8 | North Carolina | 252,350 | 12,741 |
| 9 | Ohio | 290,000 | 12,767 |
| 10 | Georgia | 239,500 | 13,565 |
Dharam Khalsa, CEO and Co-founder of Mirador Living, comments:
"We often mistake 'warm weather' for 'active weather.' The reality is that extreme heat in the South can force seniors indoors just as effectively as a blizzard does in the North. Our data shows a 'Sun Belt Sedentary Trap' where the comfort of a retirement haven often leads to a decline in physical ambition, while seniors in rugged states like Alaska and Vermont maintain a higher baseline of fitness out of necessity. They aren't just exercising for leisure; they are training to maintain their independence in a demanding environment."
Top Activities for Seniors in the USA
While location plays a major role in activity levels, the types of activities seniors are seeking reveal a shift toward health and longevity. The data shows a clear preference for solitary, health-focused activities over social games or competitive sports.
| Rank | Activity | Search Volume Per 100k Older Population (65+) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Working out | 3499 |
| 2 | Games | 743 |
| 3 | Strength training | 731 |
| 4 | Cardio equipment exercise | 107 |
| 5 | Golf | 106 |
| 6 | Walking | 94 |
| 7 | Lawn, garden, and plant care | 38 |
| 8 | Hiking | 7 |
| 9 | Racquet sports | 5 |
| 10 | Biking | 4 |
Additional Commentary from Dharam Khalsa:
"Seeing 'Working out' and 'Strength training' take the top spots tells us that today's seniors are prioritizing longevity over leisure. They aren't just looking for ways to pass the time; they are actively searching for ways to extend their independence and mobility. It's a move away from 'aging gracefully' to 'aging powerfully,' and the search behavior proves it."
Methodology:
This study determines the states with the most active aging seniors by analyzing Google search behavior across various categories, such as lawn/garden care, games, walking, and working out.
Data Collection:
We analyzed the search volume of 4,753 keywords using Google Keyword Planner for the duration of January 2025 to December 2025. These keywords covered a broad spectrum of activities, including specific long-tail queries like "adaptive gardening for seniors" and "strength training exercises for older adults" to capture genuine intent.
Scoring & Normalization:
To ensure accuracy, the total search volume was normalized by each state's 2024 population of residents aged 65 and over, sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau. To determine the final rankings, we calculated a Trend Interest Score, a composite metric that equally weights raw Google Search Volume (GSV) and population-adjusted GSV by transforming both into Z-scores. This combined score balances absolute search volume with per capita intensity and is linearly rescaled from 0 to 100 for clear comparison across states.
