Even though baby boomers have benefited from growing up during one of the largest industrial expansions in the history of the world, and saw the rise of advanced medical technologies, they are becoming increasingly sick as they reach retirement age. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine says that baby boomers, though they’re living longer, are much more prone to chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol than older groups.
The report says that baby boomers self-report that they have a lower quality of health than previous generations. It also states that boomers are at a much higher risk of developing chronic diseases, disabilities, and obesity.
On the positive side, one of the study authors says that smoking rates have decreased over the decades and baby boomers have lower rates of heart attacks and emphysema.
The study provides more evidence that the health care system, a system already under significant stress, will be severely tested in the coming years. Other studies have shown that by 2030 over half of all Americans will be obese. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention already estimates that the cost for treating obesity and diabetes exceeds $300 billion.
In addition to the healthcare costs of rising obesity rates and unhealthy lifestyles, boomers can expect a decreased quality of life as their health degrades. Fortunately, however, small steps people taken to improve their lifestyles, such as regularly monitoring your diet and engaging in daily exercise, can do a lot to prevent significant health problems.
Facing the realties of aging also involves planning for our future demise and, possible incapacity. A well structured, comprehensive estate plan is the best way to address these issues. The best way to create such a plan is to consult with an experienced and qualified estate planning attorney.
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