The health of Hawai'i senior citizens won high marks in a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Merck Co. Foundation.

Hawai'i had the most top five performance rankings among all states, rating the best in terms of low mental distress, disability and physically unhealthy days. The state also was the best in terms of low obesity rates.

But the state also was the worst in terms of percentage of older adults who have had colorectal screening and in terms of being up to date on selected preventive services for men. Only 36 percent of men in Hawai'i had colorectal cancer screening and only 20 percent were up to date on select preventive services.

The report noted that about 80 percent of all Americans aged 65 or older live with at least one chronic condition that could lead to premature death and disability. It said older adults can lower their risk through healthier behaviors and getting recommended screenings.

Other categories in which Hawai'i did well included leisure-time physical activity (No. 4 in nation), eating five fruits and vegetables daily (No. 3), flu vaccinations in the past year (No. 4) and mammograms (No. 2).

Hawai'i fared poorly in being up to date for women on selective preventive services — it ranked No. 44 and was No. 34 in senior citizens who have had their cholesterol checked in the past five years.