Considering a Move to Hawaii? Your Health Will Thank You!

For many of you, a move to Hawaii is a distant (and unlikely) dream. But, for others, you’ve always had a move to Hawaii in the back of your mind, and you’re just waiting for the right opportunity to present itself.

Well, let me make the decision easy — if you move to Hawaii, there’s a good chance you’ll maintain your good health or even improve it!

For a record SIXTH year in a row (the rankings have only been around for nine years), Hawaii has been named the Healthiest State in the Nation by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. Specifically, Hawaii residents lead the nation in the financial, community, and physical elements. And, that was enough to propel the Aloha State to the number one spot. Turns out, our sense of community, collaboration, and our state’s natural beauty are pretty important for your health.

Gallup and Healthways, which have partnered to track Americans’ well-being since 2008, added 27 new, actionable questions to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index in January 2014. The updated index is organized into five elements of well-being:

• Purpose well-being is composed of questions about having an inspiring leader, daily activity, goals, and strengths.
• Social well-being includes questions about relationships with friends and family, personal time, and received encouragement and support.
• Financial well-being is made up of questions about standard of living, ability to afford basic necessities, and financial worry.
• Community well-being includes questions about community pride, involvement, and safety and security.
• Physical well-being includes questions related to alcohol, drug, and tobacco use; current disease burden and past diagnoses; exercise; and eating habits.

Extensive research by Gallup and Healthways shows that, taken together, these five elements are the core components of the best possible life.

“Hawaii has had a heck of a run,” Dan Witters, research director of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, told TODAY.

“They do a lot of things right there. They take good care of themselves. They do the blocking and tackling of physical wellness really well.”

That’s no surprise for those of us who live here — whether it’s hiking, sailing, or surfing, you’ll always find Hawaii residents being active outdoors.

Among other healthy traits, Hawaii residents report low obesity rates and little daily stress. They regularly exercise, eat lots of produce and feel safe where they live. They’re also the best in the nation for having enough money to do everything they need to do.

If you’re considering a move to Hawaii, the state’s consistent ranking as the Healthiest State in the Nation should be the tipping point. See you in paradise!