Ohio Shows Progress in Senior Health

America's Health Rankings' 2019 Senior Report said the state of Ohio has made progress in improving senior citizens' health, although more work is needed, according to the Cleveland Scene . The state's overall ranking rose to 30th place from 34th last year, while also ranking 15th in clinical care. Ohio received good grades for the number of home healthcare workers, hospice care use, and high prevalence of seniors with a committed medical provider. United Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Rhonda Randall cited higher rates of physical inactivity and smoking as areas of concern. "Those two unhealthy behaviors really put a significant burden on the lives of individuals, the communities where they live, and the healthcare system," she said. Randall also called obesity a lingering issue, affecting one in three Ohioans 65 and older. Preventable hospitalizations, the number of early deaths, and diabetes management for Medicare enrollees also were singled out as areas needing improvement. More positively, Ohio topped the national rankings for the percentage of Medicare enrollees 65 and older with prescription drug plans that are well-aligned with their needs.