Improving Overall Health Status2022-02-02T09:06:09-08:00

In 2017, 48 percent of adult Californians report very good, or excellent health status

As the “Golden State,” California prides itself as a place where people can enjoy a high quality of life, be healthy, and pursue their dreams. To meet this vision, Let’s Get Healthy California aims to increase the number of individuals who report very good, or excellent health to 60% over the next ten years.

Overall Health Status

In 2009 (baseline year), 51.8% of adults reported very good or excellent health. The most recent data available show 46.1% (2018). We hope to reach a target of 60.0% or higher by 2022.

More Data about Overall Health Status

Baseline

51.8%

Current Rate

46.1%

Target

60.0%

Indicator Highlights

Man and woman surfing.

AARP Livability Index

The AARP Livability Index is a web-based tool used to measure community livability. The tool compares overall livability and categorical scores resulting in a rating for a community’s livability. The score considers specific categories including: housing, transportation, neighborhood, environment, economic opportunity, health, and civil/social engagement. The tool is designed for communities across the U.S. The goal is to provide local officials, businesses, activists, and residents information needed to evaluate activities in their communities and will allow residents of all ages to stay active and engaged. Read more »

In 2010, the leading causes of death were heart disease, cancer, and stroke, and the average Californian lived to 81 years.1

Proportion of Respondents Who Report Overall Health Status to be Very Good, or Excellent, Over Time

Proportion of Respondents Who Report Overall Health Status to be Very Good, or Excellent, by Demographic Category

Proportion of Respondents Who Report Overall Health Status to be Very Good, or Excellent, by County

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Indicator: General health status

Indicator Description: General health status (self-reported) is a response to the following question: In general, would you say your health is excellent, very good, good, fair or poor? Although a short and simple question, it has been shown to be a reliable predictor of mortality and future health care use.

Data Limitations: Asked of California’s residential population (adults, teens, and children), administered in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Does not include those living in group quarters or homeless persons.

Indicator Source: UCLA Center for Health Policy Research

Indicator Calculation Methodology: Percent of population reporting good, very good, or excellent health status

Data Collection Methodology: Statewide telephone survey using a geographically stratified sample design. Estimates are weighted to Dept. of Finance demographic data (adjusted for group quarters population). More information is available at http://healthpolicy.ucla.edu/chis/design/Pages/overview.aspx

Program URL Link: http://healthpolicy.ucla.edu/chis/Pages/default.aspx

1. Peck, C., Logan, J., Malzlish, N., & Van Court, J. (n.d.). The Burden of Chronic Disease. Retrieved November 16, 2015, from www.cdph.ca.gov: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/Documents/BurdenReportOnline%2004-04-13.pdf

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