Boomers Need a Health Boost

In 1900, a person's life expectancy was between 46 and 48 years old. Thankfully, the average Baby Boomer is now expected to live to 85. While that's encouraging, what does life as an octogenarian look like?

A study in the Journals of Gerontology found that while Boomers live longer than their parents or grandparents, they aren't as healthy. And, unfortunately, this "health drift" isn't just because modern medicine can better diagnose health conditions.

The study found that Baby Boomers were more likely to:

Be diagnosed with chronic conditions. That includes being 1.5 times more likely to have cancer, lung disease, heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol than previous generations did by their 50s and 60s. Researchers believe this may be due to poor diets, smoking and occupational or environmental-related risk factors. In addition, Boomers are more likely to have multiple chronic conditions than other age groups.

Be overweight and have high body mass indexes. In addition, Boomers are becoming overweight at younger ages than previous generations. One study estimated that 72% of men and 67% of women 65 and older were overweight or obese. This is due to an increase in sedentary jobs and lifestyles. However, some studies argue that additives and preservatives in foods post-1950s may also have contributed.

Have mobility problems. One big factor is arthritis, which affects nearly 50% of people over 65 and can be worsened by obesity. People born in this generation also have a harder time with daily physical tasks, including walking, bathing, grocery shopping and grip strength, than previous generations.

Battle hearing issues. According to the National Council on Aging, 68% of septuagenarians and 90% of Americans 80 and older experience hearing loss. While noisy jobs may have caused some of that, several studies claim there's more hearing loss among Boomers due to attending loud rock concerts in their youth. Treating hearing loss is important because it can lead to cognitive decline, poor mental health, falls and limited activity.

Whether or not you have one of these conditions, the good news is that improving your health can reduce or prevent future problems. Some small steps to take include:

Eat healthy. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats is important, but you should also consider reducing your salt intake to lower your blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams daily (one teaspoon) but encourages you to aim for 1,500 mg.

Get stronger. That means going for walks to boost cardiovascular health and incorporating resistance training that builds muscle strength, balance and grip strength to help ease arthritis symptoms and prevent falls.

Talk to your doctor. They can help you find ways to manage your preexisting conditions and help you find ways to lower your risk of developing conditions common among Baby Boomers.

If this article interests you, be on the lookout over the next few months for opportunities to learn more about living healthier for longer.

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