Good health and sufficient health-care access are two of the most important factors in building a successful, sustainable life in retirement. Insurance company Bankers Life and its Center for a Secure Retirement research arm recently released a new report, "America's Best Cities for a Healthy (and More Affordable) Retirement," which ranks 60 U.S. metropolitan areas in order of healthfulness and affordability for retirees.

According to the center, cities were scored in eight categories: health care, wellness, the economy and affordability, social, activities, environment, transportation and crime. CNBC looks at the top 10 overall finishers in the study and how they scored specifically in terms of health care and wellness.

Source: Bankers Life Center for a Secure Retirement

—By CNBC's Kenneth Kiesnoski
Posted 16 September 2015

"Salt Lake City residents are some of the most physically active in our study, with low levels of smoking, cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. One of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and surprisingly good public transportation round out this Rocky Mountain paradise."

Health-care score (out of 100): 33.8
Wellness score (out of 100): 79.6

Source: Bankers Life Center for a Secure Retirement

"The Cleveland Clinic is among the country's top hospitals for cardiology, urology, geriatrics, oncology and a dozen other specialties. Clevelanders also enjoy low housing prices and Playhouse Square, one of the nation's top theater districts."

Health-care score (out of 100): 83
Wellness score (out of 100): 18.6

Source: Bankers Life Center for a Secure Retirement

"Pittsburgh is among the most affordable cities on our list. But affordability is not all it offers. Yinzer retirees also enjoy low crime, top cultural institutions (including the Andy Warhol Museum and Pittsburgh Public Theater) and a high concentration of boomer residents."

Health-care score (out of 100): 77.9
Wellness score (out of 100): 20.3

Source: Bankers Life Center for a Secure Retirement

"Health care is one of Baltimore's specialties, with Johns Hopkins Hospital, Mercy Medical Center and UM Medical Center ranked among the best in the country."

Health-care score (out of 100): 79.6
Wellness score (out of 100): 28.8

Source: Bankers Life Center for a Secure Retirement

"Omaha's economic health is strong, with low cost of living, housing prices, unemployment and crime. Boomers there also report high levels of satisfaction and support."

Health-care score (out of 100): 94.9
Wellness score (out of 100): 27.1

Source: Bankers Life Center for a Secure Retirement

"Hartford boasts one of the most affordable home health-care industries in our study. The city has one of the highest concentrations of boomers in the U.S. and some of the highest levels of civic involvement and volunteering."

Health-care score (out of 100): 89.8
Wellness score (out of 100): 69.4

Source: Bankers Life Center for a Secure Retirement

"Portland has long been a hot spot for young people, but many of the attractions and features that make it popular for youth also make it great for retirees. Plus, the Oregon Health and Science University Hospital is nationally ranked in five adult specialties, including oncology and geriatrics."

Health-care score (out of 100): 81.3
Wellness score (out of 100): 54.2

Source: Bankers Life Center for a Secure Retirement

"Outdoor adventurers will love Denver and the endless opportunities the Rocky Mountains provide. The Mile High City also receives high marks for thriving cultural health, with the epicenter at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, one of the largest centers for the arts in the U.S."

Health-care score (out of 100): 54.2
Wellness score (out of 100): 74.5

Source: Bankers Life Center for a Secure Retirement

"We know. It's cold. But education and volunteer opportunities abound in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and retirees there report high levels of satisfaction and social and emotional support. Not to mention, the Twin Cities' proximity to the Mayo Clinic puts world-class health care within reach."

Health-care score (out of 100): 71.1
Wellness score (out of 100): 64.4

Source: Bankers Life Center for a Secure Retirement

"While it's one of the most expensive cities on our list, Seattle boasts natural beauty, a moderate climate and a wealth of outdoor and cultural activities—from the nearby Olympic National Park to the recently expanded Seattle Art Museum—all of which make it the ideal locale for active retirees."

Health-care score (out of 100): 84.7
Wellness score (out of 100): 72.8

Source: Bankers Life Center for a Secure Retirement