Baby boomers (age 57-75) refer to people nearing retirement or those having already retired. They have been through many major events and faced many changes. Now that they are getting older, they have to face another important challenge: deteriorating physical health. It is thus advisable that baby boomers take care of their health as a top priority so that they can enjoy a long life with a good quality of life.
Common Health Concerns Among Baby Boomers
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Health Problems due to Chronic Diseases
Baby boomers have longer life expectancies than previous generations. Meanwhile, the older one gets, the more likely one is to develop chronic diseases. Common diseases found among the elderly include the following:
Bone and Joint Diseases
About 50% of people over 65 have these issues. Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are common, especially among menopausal women.
Neurological and Brain Disorders
Getting older, one has a greater chance of Parkinson's disease, a movement disorder. In addition, among those aged 65 up, one in nine is facing Alzheimer's or dementia, which affects the quality of life of both the patients and their families.
Type 2 Diabetes, Coronary Artery Disease and High Blood Pressure
Elderly people are at higher risk of having diabetes and its complications than younger people. They are also more likely to have coronary artery disease due to risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and family history.
Cancer
Age is a major risk factor of various cancers including prostate, lung, colon, breast and ovarian cancers. It has been found that the number of those in the 65-74 age group diagnosed with cancer has increased significantly.
Vision and Hearing Impairment
This includes conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.
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Mental Health Problems
Elderly people may experience depression, anxiety and insomnia. Several factors can contribute to depression in the elderly including illnesses and physical, mental, and social changes. Aging also affects the quality and duration of sleep. So do one's own various underlying diseases. Poor sleep quality can also induce depression.
Baby boomers can aim at the following to prevent or manage chronic underlying diseases.
✔️ A Healthy Lifestyle for Good Physical Health
This is most important for baby boomers. Through behavioral modification, develop healthy habits such as exercising regularly, not smoking, refraining from or reducing alcohol consumption. Getting enough sleep also has a positive effect on your overall health. It's thus a good idea to practice a good sleeping routine such as sticking to a schedule, avoiding heavy meals 3-4 hours before bedtime, and creating a distraction-free bedroom environment.
✔️ Mental Health Care
To prevent depression, learn to manage stress by way of relaxation techniques. Practice meditation and breathing exercises, do low-impact workouts, spend some time in nature, and socialize with friends.
✔️ A Balanced Diet
Elderly people still need the same amount of nutrients as, or even more, than younger people. However, with a poorer digestive system, decreased appetite, and dental and swallowing problems, many elderly people may have insufficient nutrition. It should be noted that a nutritious diet, with foods from the five major groups, helps prevent diseases and allow one to manage better with chronic diseases.
✔️ Planning Disease Prevention and Early-Stage Management
Baby boomers should have a health check-up at least once a year so any abnormalities can be detected early and treatment can be sought before the issue becomes serious. Vaccinations against diseases such as influenza, pneumonia and shingles are also recommended.