10 Leading Health Trends Among Baby Boomers

According to U.N. projections, by 2050, the global population will have more individuals aged 65 and above than children under 5 for the first time in history [source: Singer]. The U.S. is playing a major role in this shift, with baby boomers — those born from 1946 to 1964 — now reaching their retirement years.

The health and well-being of the boomer generation have profound effects, influencing areas such as public policy, taxation, rising insurance expenses, and the emergence of new health care sectors tailored to this aging population.

The health care system will face significant challenges as baby boomers retire in large numbers. By 2030, approximately 60 percent of boomers are expected to have multiple chronic health conditions [source: American Hospital Association]. Currently, 62 percent of individuals aged 50 to 64 already suffer from at least one chronic condition linked to obesity, such as high cholesterol or heart disease [source: Trust for America's Health]. Additionally, it is projected that by 2030, about 25 percent of boomers will be diagnosed with diabetes [source: American Hospital Association].

In the coming years, the health of baby boomers will undoubtedly be a major topic of discussion. Continue reading to explore the top 10 health trends affecting this generation.

10: Increased Medical Care

By 2030, the number of individuals aged 65 and older will be nearly triple what it was in 1980 [source: American Hospital Association]. As a result, boomers will require and receive more medical care than any previous generation at the same age.

Boomers now have access to advanced medical capabilities and more information than ever before. They are leveraging online resources to research medical topics, enabling them to ask informed questions during doctor visits and better understand the responses. The internet provides immediate access to a "second opinion" or the necessary data to seek one. Additionally, boomers can stay updated on the latest medical advancements and inquire about specific tests or treatments that may benefit their health.

Health care providers will also gain from the growing medical awareness among boomers. From 1996 to 2006, outpatient visits to physicians by individuals aged 55 to 64 rose by 13 percent [source: Elliott]. As more boomers retire, reversing this trend will be challenging, but a well-informed and health-focused patient group could help mitigate the impact.

Doctors aren't the only ones focusing more on boomers, as we'll explore next.

9: Increased Marketing Focus

Individuals aged 50 and above account for 50 percent of all discretionary spending in the U.S. [source: Rogers]. Additionally, boomers boast the lowest unemployment rate among all age groups in the country [source: Carter]. Given their financial stability, substantial savings, and large population, it's no wonder marketers and medical product producers are heavily targeting this demographic.

Just as businesses have sought to attract boomers at every life stage, companies will continue to cater to this sizable group by anticipating their medical preferences and requirements.

Consequently, there will be a surge in efforts to create and market products designed to promote independence, or "aging in place," for boomers. As they enter their 80s, 90s, and beyond, the demand for wellness and mobility solutions will rise, accompanied by a corresponding supply. This will result in boomers being inundated with advertisements for everything from vitamins to video games claiming to prevent or slow dementia.

While market-driven advancements in medical research will benefit boomers, they will also face a flood of products and services that fail to meet expectations. This will create a growing niche for services that help boomers distinguish between effective and ineffective solutions.

Next: Boomers' influence ensures their voices are heard.

8: Greater Influence

For politicians seeking votes or researchers aiming to make an impact, baby boomers are the ideal demographic. With over 100 million Americans aged 50 and above, their voting power and spending habits are now more critical than ever.

Although many Americans favor reducing the deficit, few politicians are willing to endorse or maintain support for legislation that cuts Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid to save costs. Even if such measures appear logical on paper, they become far less appealing when confronted by a room full of passionate boomers. Older Americans are typically more politically engaged, and their substantial voting influence holds significant sway over elected officials, many of whom are also approaching retirement age.

As we'll see next, the demand for coffee isn't going to decline anytime soon.

7: They Stay Energized

Boomers are well-versed in finding ways to stay energized. In 2008, 61 percent of individuals aged 40 to 59 consumed coffee daily, compared to only 47 percent of those aged 25 to 39 [source: National Coffee Association]. By 2010, nearly 75 percent of consumers over 60 had enjoyed coffee within the past day [source: National Coffee Association].

Numerous studies suggest that coffee, with its antioxidant properties, may help prevent age-related conditions like Alzheimer's disease. These findings are likely to enhance coffee's already immense popularity among baby boomers, who hardly need more reasons to enjoy their daily brew [source: Fox News].

Research indicates that higher coffee consumption is linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer, regardless of whether it's caffeinated or decaf [source: Wilson]. The health benefits of coffee are thought to stem from compounds like caffeic and chlorogenic acids, rather than caffeine itself [source: Fox News]. However, excessive coffee intake may lead to increased blood pressure and energy crashes [source: Sheps].

Boomers are also driving demand for energy drinks and pills, though the long-term health impacts of these products remain uncertain [source: Bauerlein].

Aside from perhaps the coffee shop, boomers are here to stay for the foreseeable future, as we'll explore in the next section.

6: Extended Lifespans

In 2011, the first wave of boomers turned 65, and on average, they can anticipate living until 83 [source: Harvard School of Public Health].

American boomers are anticipated to have longer lifespans than any generation before them. Along with increased longevity, they are also expected to maintain independence and reside in their own homes for extended periods. This trend will have significant implications.

The home health care industry will expand, with providers and policymakers facing challenges in meeting the growing demand for services. Boomers will need to make their retirement savings last longer, potentially relying on financial tools like reverse mortgages to ensure steady income. With the large number of boomers claiming benefits, Social Security is projected to pay out more than it collects by 2017, sparking ongoing policy debates [source: Weston].

Next, we'll explore the relationship between pharmaceutical companies and boomers.

5: Increased Use of Prescription Drugs

For those who dread needles, the first thought when a doctor or nurse brings one out is: "Is there a pill version of this?" In today's America, the answer is increasingly yes.

Today, prescription medications are available for virtually any ailment (even conditions like brittle eyelashes, if you consider them ailments). From pain management and high cholesterol to erectile dysfunction and beyond, there's a pill designed to address nearly every health issue.

From 1996 to 2006, there was a 25 percent rise in the number of individuals aged 55 to 64 who were prescribed more than five medications during a hospital visit [source: Elliott]. Excessive use of prescription drugs can lead to dependency and abuse, with these medications being the most frequently misused controlled substances [source: Hille].

A study revealed that 83 percent of nursing home residents were on antipsychotic medications, raising concerns about overmedication [source: CNN].

How does the activity level of boomers compare to earlier generations? Continue reading to discover more.

4: Increased Activity

Whether the goal is losing weight, reducing blood pressure, or boosting energy and lifespan, health experts have consistently emphasized the advantages of regular physical activity. Boomers have embraced this advice, popularizing various exercise trends like jogging, aerobics, and local fitness centers over the years.

Fitness and exercise hold a more prominent place in the culture and daily lives of baby boomers compared to earlier generations.

As a growing number of boomers enter retirement, there's a collective emphasis on extending life and minimizing the physical signs of aging. It's no wonder that many boomers consider exercise essential for achieving a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

Research indicates that active individuals experience 16 more years of healthy living compared to those who are sedentary [AARP]. Physical activity also appears to delay the onset of dementia and improve joint functionality.

However, the boomers' commitment to exercise has a downside. Their active lifestyles often lead to visits to emergency rooms, doctors' offices, and sports medicine clinics, as their bodies sometimes struggle to handle the physical demands they place on themselves.

For those who exercise in moderation, staying active serves as an accessible way to maintain youthfulness or at least slow down the aging process.

However, as we'll explore next, today's retirees are quite different from those of the past.

3: Less Healthy Than Earlier Generations

Unlike earlier generations, baby boomers grew up in a world far removed from agriculture. Many were raised during the rise of suburban living, making farm and factory work unfamiliar to them. Instead, they were more inclined to work in office settings, steering clear of the physically demanding and hazardous jobs that characterized the lives of their predecessors.

However, this isn't the only distinction: Research shows that individuals aged 50 to 64 are more likely to require help with personal-care tasks due to health issues compared to previous generations [source: Elliott]. Another study revealed declining health levels among those aged 60 to 69 [source: Aldridge].

Findings may also be influenced by improved and earlier disease detection, which could ultimately lead to better health and longer lives for boomers.

Growing concerns about health and obesity may also drive a heightened awareness of dietary choices, which we'll explore next.

2: Greater Focus on Food Choices

Whether they've been scrutinizing food labels for decades or have recently become more diet-conscious due to issues like high cholesterol or blood pressure, boomers are far more attentive to their food choices than earlier generations.

This heightened awareness is beneficial, given the abundance of unhealthy food options available, whether from fast-food chains or local grocery stores.

A survey revealed that 80 percent of boomers are more food-conscious, pay closer attention to food labels, and are more knowledgeable about the origins of their food than they were in 1980 [source: Whole Foods Market]. The survey also found that more Americans, including boomers, are purchasing organic foods, with a larger portion of their grocery budgets dedicated to organic products than in previous years.

This shift is partly driven by worries about food quality, the inclusion of additives, pesticides, and other artificial substances in food production, as well as a growing focus on sustainable environmental practices.

Of course, as we'll see next, practicing moderation isn't always straightforward.

1: Obesity

While baby boomers are outliving previous generations, they also hold the unfortunate record for the highest obesity rates among their age group. In 1994, 31 percent of individuals aged 55 to 64 were obese; by 2002, this figure had risen to 39 percent [source: Trust for America's Health].

Not only are boomers more obese than their predecessors, but they also became obese at younger ages, with women in their 50s being the most likely to fall into this category [source: Trust for America's Health].

Boomers stand to benefit significantly from even modest weight loss. Many already suffer from obesity-related conditions like diabetes or hypertension. Recent studies suggest that losing an average of 3.74 pounds (1.7 kilograms) per person could prevent 178,000 cases of coronary heart disease and 890,000 cases of diabetes [source: Goodwin].

Research has shown that adults aged 60 to 74 are four times more likely to experience depression if they are obese [source: Pappas]. Additionally, obesity combined with aging joints creates a problematic combination, as extra weight places additional strain on already fragile knees.

Thankfully, numerous weight-loss options are available for boomers, all of which rely on the timeless principle of consuming fewer calories and increasing physical activity. This approach is something every generation can support.

Continue reading for more insights into baby boomer health trends.