AARP Chooses Ann Arbor as 'Healthiest City' in the US

The American Association of Retired Persons publication, AARP The Magazine, has named Ann Arbor as the No. 1 Healthiest City to Live and Retire In.  The selection is based on more than 20 criteria including clean air and water, health and habits of residents, opportunities for exercise and the number of doctors.

The announcement was made in the 123-acre Nichols Arboretum by Dr. Robert Kelch, executive vice president for medical affairs.  "It wasn't one aspect of Ann Arbor that resulted in this acknowledgement–but nearly every aspect of it–from the wonderful green space to the world-class health care to the very folks who live here and choose to exercise and eat right."

 "The cities we chose are ahead of the healthy living curve with access to healthcare facilities, numerous options for exercise, activities, volunteerism and a culture that supports vitality," said Nancy Graham, acting editor of the magazine.

The index also included quality of life measures such as housing affordability, the local economy, educational resources, crime, climate, recreational amenities, and arts and culture.

Home to The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is seen as a 'hotbed of medical innovation", according to Kelch.  "The University Michigan's greatest strength is the fact that we have top-ranked schools of medicine, dentistry, social work, nursing, law, business, pharmacy, public health and engineering–and a top health system–all with a walk or short bike ride from each other.  This proximity–unique in the United States–allows our scientists and physicians to easily and freely collaborate across disciplines.

Also noted were the University's contributions through its work in genetics, stem cells, nanotechnology, cancer, depression, and cardiology and vascular medicine to improve lives, and collaborations through the University Research Corridor, the Washtenaw Community Health Organization, the Washtenaw Health Plan and the Michigan Healthy Community Initiative, which encourages healthier living for employees, their families, retirees and students.