Are Baby Boomers Healthier Than Their Parents?

By Joseph Wilson

When it comes to baby boomer health, the individuals who are inching
their way towards retirement or have already stopped working are
displaying a disturbing trend showcasing poorer health than their
parents. Evidence suggests that the status of baby boomer health
paints the picture of health conscious, youthful looking people with
varying health concerns despite their increased knowledge of fitness,
diet, and physical conditioning.

Today, many surveys on baby boomers have revealed that they too view
their vitality as less than their parents possessed at the same age.
On the whole, as this particular generation ages, a higher incidence
of health problems concerning mobility has also been reported. Baby
boomers face a higher risk of encountering difficulty climbing a
flight of stairs, completing their daily routines, or getting out of a
sitting position with ease. Chronic health issues, such as
hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes are also glaring concerns
pertaining to the health of a baby boomer.

A distressing trend is growing where baby boomers are surpassing the
medical concerns of older generations. Despite the advancements in
medicine and science, increased knowledge of alternative medical
treatments, and easier access to information regarding health topics,
the progression of unhealthy trends are seriously hampering the
longevity of baby boomers.

One of the worst offenders is found in the rise in obesity, as 2/3 of
Americans are overweight, which adds to the weakening of joints,
muscles, and bones. The extra weight causes cholesterol levels and
blood pressure to skyrocket. An assortment of life-threatening health
problems also come into play. Ironically, the gym memberships that
baby boomers subscribe to don't even match the physical activity of
their parents (or even their grandparents) because their daily
routines are often confined to desk duty or involve constant travel by
car.

The typical picture of a baby boomer is often seen as an educated
individual full of health and vigor, yet not all people in the
generation attended college and not everyone follows a healthy
lifestyle. The higher levels of stress that older generations tended
not to face also contributes to the poor or failing health of a baby
boomer, as job security, unemployment, social security woes, increased
health care, the war, and busy schedules all have a more profound
effect.

The health of baby boomers differs from older generations because many
people are working two jobs, lacking sufficient sleep, facing unstable
life factors, take less time to relax, and have fewer social outlets.
On the other hand, life expectancy rates have continued to rise over
the years and disability rates are experiencing a steady drop.
Illnesses are receiving early diagnosis and treatment, as boomers are
also able to gain better control of conditions, such as heart disease
and diabetes.

In some cases, baby boomers will enter retirement healthier in certain
areas of medical concerns than their parents. For example, it is
proven that they are less likely to indulge in tobacco products, but
will still face a new crop of health concerns. A rise in dental,
hearing, and vision problems has been discovered. Now, baby boomers
are usually susceptible to obesity, Alzheimer's disease, chronic
health conditions, issues with drugs and alcohol, psychiatric
problems, and experience more pain.

Sadly, the health of a baby boomer is declining and this only means
more problems for society on a whole, as rising health care costs
reflect the elevated need for medical attention. Overall, despite
medical advancements, effective treatments, and better medical
education, the parents of baby boomers managed to stay more active,
face less health issues, and enter their golden years with fewer
problems than their children.

Joseph Wilson is a writer and baby boomer who enjoys providing advice
and tips on a wide variety of topics including baby boomer health and
baby boomer retirement planning