The correct answer is poorer.
Health state may e considered to be poorer because of many factors that may affect an individual's health. First, vices may affect a person's health especially if they are into smoking or drinking. Second, the environment may affect a person's health especially if it is not suitable for the person to live in.
A 55 year old person is considered to be poorer in health compared to a 70 or 80 year old person, because of the different existing factors.