Baby Boomer Health - Keeping Healthier Than Our Parents

For those of us in our 50’s or who have just turned 60, we are part of that special generation commonly referred to as the Baby Boomer. We are special and the health concerns we face as a baby boomer are also unique. Although we may be considered seniors, we are often still working, still youthful, and still leading stress-filled lives.

Baby boomers are highly health and diet conscious and want to stay fit as long as possible. We frequent the gym, go for long hikes and are more likely to play baseball with our grandkids than to watch from the sidelines.

According to the American Medical Association, there are more than 56 million Americans over the age of 50 living with heart disease and over 40 million with arthritis. Not a nice thought. But even though boomers face huge health issues, we are confident, optimistic and determined to keep our youth. As educated consumers, we are willing to try alternative methods of health care.

Even though boomers typically earn more than our parents ever did, our children are finding the cost of living a challenge. Because of the financial obligations to both children and to parents, who are living longer themselves, boomers face unprecedented stress in our lives.

Grown children are either living at home longer so they can save money, or moving back home again, often bringing children with them. It’s not uncommon for grandparents to be playing a major role in raising our grandchildren. When we aren’t doing that, you’ll find us driving aging parents to appointments, making sure they’re eating properly, taking care of their daily needs.

Work is much more stressful, commutes are long and traffic causes more stress. Add to that, taking care of parents and our kids, and it can take a toll on our health. People are working longer hours, sometimes two jobs, and not sleeping as much as we should. In today’s society, extended family often live farther away or are too busy with their own lives to be able to help.

Not much time left for a life of our own and not quite the retirement we dreamed about. Getting a good sleep becomes as attractive as a long vacation. It’s no wonder then, that the baby boomer is so health conscious. If we can just juggle all the extra responsibilities, life can still be good.