You would think recent crises like the economic meltdown would have many older adults approaching their futures with fear, but a new survey released jointly by the National Council on Aging, UnitedHealthcare and USA Today say that’s not the case.

While a portion of the 2,250 seniors aged 60 or older admitted they are worried about finances, retirement planning, and managing long-term healthcare needs, overall they are optimistic about what lies ahead. Mostly, this is because they are living longer, more productive lives, which enables them to confidently navigate the country’s many uncertainties. Here are a few highlights:

One of the standards used to evaluate senior living communities in Massachusetts is the annual survey by the Mass. Department of Public Health. These unannounced exams span several days and look at all aspects of a community, from leadership to dining to nursing. Communities are rated by the number of deficiencies they receive in any given category.