Michigan Ranks 6th for Least Active Senior Lifestyle Interest in U.S., Study Finds

A new study analyzing 4,753 activity-related Google searches from January to December 2025 ranked U.S. states by active senior lifestyle interests, with Michigan placing 6th among the least active states.

Key findings:

Michigan ranks 6th for the least active senior population, placing it in the bottom 10 states for activity-related Google searches among residents aged 65 and over.
Michigan shows relatively strong per-capita engagement despite its low overall ranking. It recorded 242,350 activity-related searches in 2025, equating to 12,192 searches per 100,000 seniors.
Michigan seniors show a strong preference for structured, accessible activities, with working out leading search interest (6,301 searches), followed by games (3,514). Interest in strength training (787) and walking (370) is moderate, while outdoor activities such as biking (50) and hiking (38) attract far less engagement.

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

Nationally, Alaska ranks #1 with 88,242 searches per 100,000 older residents.

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

You can view the full rankings and methodology here:

https://www.miradorliving.com/resources/lifestyle/states-with-most-active-seniors

Dharam Khalsa, CEO and Co-founder of Mirador Living, comments:

“Michigan’s ranking showcases that even in states with an active senior population, engagement with fitness and outdoor activities varies widely. Looking at per capita activity searches gives a clearer picture of where seniors are prioritizing their health, fitness, and independence. The study underscores that engagement is also about intention and access to opportunities that encourage active living. These insights can help communities and policymakers better understand where support and programs are needed to keep seniors moving, social, and empowered in their later years.”