Growing older in Dayton is better than in most big cities

Dayton ranks No. 29 out of the 100 best large cities based on whether life for those older than 65 is connected to others, safe, affordable and offers ready access to transportation, education, employment and recreational opportunities.

The only Ohio city to earn a better ranking is Toledo. Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Youngstown fall below Dayton on the list. Provo, Utah is rated first in the nation, according to the economic think tank's ranking.

Educational attainment, college enrollment and the number and diversity of area higher learning institutions helped Dayton rank sixth overall in education out of the 100 cities. The area’s affordable housing made it the eighth best for living arrangements.

Only two cities fared worse than Dayton in wellness, a category that includes many health and fitness measures such as obesity and smoking rates, diseases, injuries and air quality.

Dayton also falls toward the bottom of other cities in key financial security indicators such as total bank deposits, capital gains, income and business growth.

Dayton also

Led by Iowa City, Iowa, college towns scattered about the Midwest and Great Plains topped the list of best small cities where people age in a a less-burdening environment.