The Retirement Guide
Retirement in Arkansas isn’t about slowing down — it’s about designing the life you want next.
From filling prescriptions at a trusted hometown pharmacy to navigating Medicare with guidance you can actually understand — including fraud-prevention resources — the support systems in this state are built to help retirees live well with confidence. In this year’s Arkansas Times Retirement Guide, we highlight the services, strategies, and local experts that make Arkansas one of the most livable — and affordable — places to enjoy your next chapter.
“And in the end it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
—Abraham Lincoln
Patrol (AR SMP) is here to empower and families, and caregivers to prevent, errors and abuse through outreach, SMP is a grant-funded project of the Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health
AREAS:
Arkansas is ranked as ONE OF THE BEST states for retirees due to its affordability. The average retirement age is 62. The average life expectancy is 75.40 years, resulting in an average retirement period of 13.4 years. DID YOU KNOW?
FRAUD!
1-866-726-2916
insurance.arkansas.gov/SMP
LOCAL SOURCES
Senior Medicare Patrols (SMPs) empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education. This program was developed to help you understand more about health care fraud. 1-866-726-2916, AID.Insurance.SMP@arkansas.gov
of the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents are those of the nor endorsement by, ACL/HHS, or the U.S. government.
Alzheimer’s Arkansas is an independent, nonprofit organization. We offer free educational and respite programs, personalized support, printed resources, support groups (in person and online), and financial assistance to family caregivers across the state of Arkansas. Our focus is to support the journey our caregivers face each and every day as they care for loved ones with dementia or chronic illness.
Step into Rhea Drug, a true Little Rock icon that has served the Hillcrest community since 1922. This historic pharmacy isn’t just a place to fill prescriptions; it’s a living piece of neighborhood history. For over a century, Rhea Drug has been a trusted cornerstone, adapting through the decades while maintaining its dedication to personal service. Can’t get out to get your prescriptions? No problem. We have FREE delivery service available every day. Just call today to get started. 2801 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, 501-663-4131
Sources: Population estimates: U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 Population Estimates, as reported by the Arkansas Economic Development Institute (AEDI), provided the data for the senior population percentage and median age in 2024.
