Are Baby Boomers Healthier Than Their Parents?

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.