Part 5: Baby Boomers Health Issues: Resources

The top health issues for baby boomers range from having to deal with chronic health problems and general deterioration because of age, to the rising costs of healthcare. Yet modern medicine and medical technology has certainly made it possible to address most of these concerns effectively and even prevent the onset of some of the more chronic health problems. To provide guidance and assurance for baby boomers on a variety of health related issues, we have collected a comprehensive set of resources that we trust they will find helpful.

Books

·    Intelligent Medicine : A Guide to Optimizing Health and Preventing Illness for the Baby-Boomer Generation by Ronald Hoffman – Though the baby boomer generation is considered famous for ‘ living like there is no tomorrow’, it is also true that they are more health conscious than their parents were. First, baby boomers are faced with increased longevity and have to take better care of their bodies. Secondly, technology has ensured that there is very little physical demand on their bodies and as such they have to include regular physical activity as part of their daily routine to keep themselves fit. Ronald Hoffman points out how baby boomers were probably the first generation to look at improving health while minimizing decline. His book covers a very vast and wide array of treatments, including both conventional and alternative medicine and serves as an excellent reference book for not just baby boomers but also for those who have any health concerns.
·    Health Secrets for Baby Boomers: Jump Start Your Life by Shari Martin – Martin addresses the top health issues facing baby boomers like chronic fatigue, diabetes, obesity and cancer to name a few. She also suggests ways in which they can manage these problems effectively by eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly. She also provides many tips on how to increase one’s energy levels, effectively prevent sickness and disease and help the body to function at its best.
·    Baby Boomer Health Dynamics: How Are We Aging? By Andrew V. Wister.
·    Aging Lite: A Baby Boomer’s Health Planner for Women by Anne E. Palmer.

Websites

·    Aging baby boomers will drive health-care innovation
(http://www.infoworld.com/t/business/aging-baby-boomers-will-drive-health-care-innovation-054)
·    Boomer Health Care Dilemma
(http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/09/29/health/webmd/main646306.shtml)
·    Reinventing Aging
(http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/chc/reinventingaging/)
·    The Baby Boomer Generation – Health
(http://www.aginghipsters.com/blog/archives/cat_health.php)
·    Baby Boomer Health Network
(http://www.babyboomerhealthnetwork.com/)
·    Health Prevention for Baby Boomers
(http://health.usnews.com/sections/health/baby-boomer-health/index.html)
·    Growing Old, Baby Boomer Style
(http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/01/10/health/webmd/main1195879.shtml)
·    Baby Boomer Health Guide
(http://www.squidoo.com/baby-boomer-health-guide)

Part 4: Baby Boomers Health Issues: Tips

As a baby boomer you may be glad to hear that you will live for longer and lead a healthier life than most in the previous generation. However, this does not mean that you can afford to neglect your health. In fact, you need to address problems that have already started affecting you and take preventative measures to avoid developing other chronic health conditions. Here are a few tips that will help you address the top health issues for baby boomers.

·    To begin with, consult your doctor and obtain a complete assessment of your health. You may not have been so regular with your check-ups but you cannot afford to be so casual now. Make sure you go for your annual check-up where you will be given a thorough examination. You will then know what are the conditions that you already have and what steps you need to take to address them. Speak to your doctor about your risks for other conditions and what steps you can take to prevent them.
·    You should also educate yourself on what the numbers in the various tests mean – what are healthy figures and what are not.  For example, does 120/80 or less indicate high blood pressure? What should the sugar levels be to rule out diabetes? How do you know what your ideal weight should be? Being aware of these figures will help you understand how you are holding physically.
·    Start cutting down on unhealthy behavior like smoking, drinking too much or using illegal drugs. Plan what you will do in order to kick these habits at the earliest.
·    Learning to deal effectively with stress and in fact, reducing the levels of stress in your life will go a long way in increasing your mental and physical health. Look at the different ways in which people handle stress. Some try relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation. Others try to take up some pleasant pastime like gardening or painting. Choose a method that suits you best and set some time aside on a regular basis for it.
·    Stay mentally and socially active. If you are lonely and isolated, you will feel anxious and unsure about the future and soon this will start having an effect on your physical health. Keep in touch with friends, travel as much as you can and if nothing else works, volunteer your time so that you can spend more time in the company of others.

Part 3: Baby Boomers Health Issues: Frequently Asked Questions

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With even the youngest baby boomer turning 45 this year, health issues are naturally a priority for this generation of baby boomers. If you are a baby boomer yourself or have a friend or family member who is one, you may have some questions and concerns about what are the top health issues facing baby boomers today. We have tried to provide answers to some of these questions below.

Could you list some of the top health risks that aging baby boomers face?

Among chronic health conditions that may soon start affecting baby boomers, would be diabetes, arthritis, cancer and heart related diseases such as high cholesterol and risk of stroke. Though less serious in nature, there are other age-related problems such as getting tired too quickly, joint pains, dental problems and increased anxiety levels.

I am a baby boomer and most of my friends are already complaining of quite a few health problems. However, they say there is very little they can do about it since all the problems are age-related. How correct are they?

They are certainly correct to the extent that the onset of some of these problems could be due to the aging process. However, there is certainly a lot you can do to effectively deal with them. If you have been diagnosed with any health condition, medical technology now makes it possible for you to address and successfully manage these conditions. There are also many screening tests that make it possible for an early diagnosis and treatment of certain conditions. Finally, doctors can advise you on the steps you need to take in order to avoid developing any other health conditions. For example, they may suggest that you take nutritional supplements to ensure that you get all the essential nutrients that you need at this stage in life.

Do I need to make any drastic changes in my lifestyle to lead a healthier life?

Absolutely not. By making small but gradual changes in your lifestyle, you can start living a better, healthier life. Switch from regular dairy products to non-fat ones and drink water instead of soda or juices; take more servings of fresh vegetables and fruits everyday; make physical exercise a part of your regular routine; cut down on habits such as smoking and finally, spend a few thoughts everyday meditating. By making these small but very important changes, you are ensuring yourself a healthy, long life.

Part 2: Baby Boomers Health Issues: The Basics

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The years between 1946 and 1964, immediately following the Second World War, saw one of the largest spikes in birth rates in the US and as such all those born in that period were termed ‘Baby Boomers’! Today, these baby boomers are between the ages of 63 and 46 years and healthcare is proving to be one of the most prominent issues causing concern to a majority of them. Adding to this worry is the fact that nearly 60% of those who are between the ages of 50 and 64 have been identified with one or more chronic health condition like diabetes, arthritis, cancer, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or heart disease.

There is no doubt that advances in medical technology has made it possible for baby boomers to live a healthier life than their previous generation. However there are still some health issues that they need to be aware about and for which they need to take preventative measures. Other than the chronic health conditions mentioned above, there are less serious but more common problems being faced by baby boomers like maintaining a healthy weight, handling stress, dealing with the whole aging process and staying active, both mentally and physically.

Here are some of the most basic ways in which a baby boomer can take care of all these health issues –

1.    Regular Medical Care – While it is important to consult a doctor when you are not well, as you grow older, it becomes even more important that you go regularly for a complete checkup. It is recommended that baby boomers see their doctor at least once a year for a complete examination.
2.    Regular Screenings – Screenings help in the early diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as cancer. Based on one’s age and family history, the doctor may suggest a few other screening tests.
3.    Well-Balanced Diet – As you grow older, it becomes essential that you start reducing the amount of junk food that you eat and eat more nutritious food. You may want to eat smaller, well-balanced meals on a more regular basis than just having three heavy meals in the day. Consult your doctor on whether nutritional supplements will be of help to you.
4.    Reduce Stress and Get Enough Rest – By getting enough sleep and resting your body, you are not only strengthening your immune system but also allowing your mind to relax, thereby keeping yourself physically and mentally alert.

Part 1: Baby Boomers Health Issues: An Introduction

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If you are a baby boomer (baby boomers are typically those born between 1946 and 1964), then take a moment today to reflect on how you have been feeling for the past few days. Do you have the same energy as you used to have, say five years back or do you get tired more easily? Have your joints been complaining a little too frequently and is your weight really beginning to bother you? If you have been experiencing any or all of these symptoms, do not be concerned – these are all fairly common problems, particularly for baby boomers. However, having taken notice of them, the next step is to take remedial measures.

As baby boomers, we are now between the ages of 45 and 63 and at a stage where these problems have just started making themselves felt. Your diabetes may just have been diagnosed, you may have started feeling tired a little more quickly and the extra weight you had put on during all these years has started bothering you now. All these physical problems start to affect your state of mind and your ability to enjoy what used to be pleasurable pastimes. As a result, you may get despondent about the future and may become anxious about how you are going to cope.

The top health issues causing concern to most baby boomers are diabetes, asthma, coronary heart disease, to name a few, and the general aging process that causes joint pains and fatigue. Most of us baby boomers try to live with our problems convincing ourselves that these are but age-related health problems and there is very little that can be done at this stage. However, this is not true.

To begin with, we need to stay physically active by making regular exercise a part of our daily routine. Advances in technology have reduced the physical demands on us thereby making it necessary that we put in more hours working out. Secondly, we need to pay close attention to the amount and kind of nutrition that our body is receiving. You may want to consult your doctor or a dietitian if taking nutritional supplements will be beneficial to you. Finally, mental fitness and health are also very important. It is necessary to keep oneself occupied and be involved in different community affairs.

Baby Boomers know that today with the help of advanced medical technology they can take better care of themselves, combat the aging process and live better, healthier lives.